Nearly three decades after guiding Nigeria to one of its most iconic sporting triumphs, former Super Eagles coach Jo Bonfrère has petitioned the Nigerian Senate over a 29-year delay in receiving land promised to him by the Lagos State Government, Footynaija.com reports.
Bonfrère, who famously led Nigeria’s men’s football team to Olympic gold at the 1996 Games in Atlanta, filed the petition earlier this week, urging the National Assembly to intervene and compel the Lagos authorities to release the property allegedly approved for him as part of rewards granted to members of the victorious squad.
Bonfrère’s petition argues that while other beneficiaries from the Atlanta ’96 contingent, including players and coaching staff, have long received their land allocations, he remains the only one yet to be honoured with his promised portion nearly three decades later.
As confirmed in a report by TheCable, the 79-year-old contends that the land reward was a formal recognition of his service to Nigeria and his role in delivering Africa’s first-ever Olympic football gold medal.
Speaking after submitting the petition, Bonfrère’s media aide, Eze Okechukwu, told reporters that the matter has lingered far too long. “It’s been 29 years since the promise was made,” he said, calling on the Senate to help ensure that his principal finally receives what was duly pledged to him.
Appointed Super Eagles coach in 1995, the Dutchman guided the Super Eagles squad featuring Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Daniel Amokachi to global glory in Atlanta, defeating Brazil and Argentina en route to gold.
Bonfrère later returned to manage the Super Eagles between 1999 and 2001, leading the team to the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations final, where Nigeria narrowly lost to Cameroon on penalties.
