Former Super Eagles coach Clemens Westerhof did not fix the 1994 World Cup match between Nigeria and Italy as alleged by his former assistant Jo Bonfrere, the then Secretary General of Nigeria Football Association, Sani Toro has told Completespports.com.
Bonfrere told Brila FM in a recent interview that Westerhof sold the Second Round match for $100,000. Nigeria lost the game 2-1 to Italy.
“It is not true that Westerhof sold the World Cup game against Italy for $100,000. He had no reason to sell because that team was highly motivated and he [Westerhof] wanted to make history with the Super Eagles – to become the first African team to reach the semifinal of the World Cup,” Toro told Completespports.com.
Also Read – Bonfrere: Westerhof Sold Nigeria’s Game Against Italy At USA’94 World Cup
“I was in charge of that team as Secretary General of NFA, and I can confidently tell you that Bonfrere lied about Westerhof selling the game we lost 2-1 to Italy after leading for a larger part of the game. We lost to a more experienced side and the game was full of action. When I read of Bonfrere Jo’s allegation in the media, I was taken aback
“There is no truth in that statement at all, and I wonder why it took Bonfrere 26 years after to reveal that his compatriot and boss sold a game. He should go and settle whatever differences he has with Westerhof and stop dragging Nigeria’s image in the mud. We wanted to win and the boys played their best, but lost to inexperience. ”
Toro added: “I don’t know what Bonfrere want to achieve with that allegation. Perhaps, he wanted to be heard after a long time. It is not true that Westerhof sold the match. Bonfrere lied and that is it.
“We lost because we couldn’t manage our success at the World Cup well. The team was factionalized and it affected their momentum,” the former House of Representatives member reiterated.
Toro urges the Nigeria Football Federation not to dignify Bonfrere by investigating the allegation, but should warn him to desist from dragging Nigeria’s image in the mud just to settle scores with his former boss and compatriot.
By Richard Jideaka, Abuja
4 Comments
Quote “Toro urges the NFF not to dignify Bonfrere by trying to investigate this allegation, but should, instead, worn Bonfrere to desist from dragging Nigeria image to the mod just settle old scores with former Boss and a compatriot”. Unquote.
Bonfrere is a sick man. He lie. A corn artist too. A jobless white man in Holland who wants Nigeria money for free to see him through his sickness at his old age. He is 74 still begging for a job he wickedly ran away from twenty years earlier. Can you imagine what this stupid Whiteman may be saying about us in his Dutch language tongue in Holland ?
Any Nigerian who openly support this sick Whiteman from Holland to coach the Super Eagle again, should be sent to Sambisa forest for 4 years. Westerhof brought him to Nigeria after begging him and promised to be royal to him. You can all see how he later betrayed Mr Westerhof. Omon9ja and Akwuegbu, would you like someone to sell you short in such a fashion in your future endeavors ?.
Bros you get share for the money , nothing you go tell me
Everything that happens is always a lesson to the wise. This is how he told us, after winning the olympic gold that he was the one doing the coaching during his spell with Westerhof.The message is clear! Be wary of people you help or call in as your subordinate.
IS BOFRE COMING BACK TO COACH SUPER EAGLES?DONT WORY,NFF WILL NOT APPOINT HIM IS TIME WASTED,BUT CONCERNING THE ISSUE OF RORH,I CAN SEE THAT HE HAS A NATURAL LOVE AND WILL TO MAKE HISTORY WITH THIS CROPS OF SUPER EAGLES,EXTEND HIS CONTRACT FOR NEXT 3YRS,HE IS BUILDING A PSYCHOLOGICAL TEAM,THAT IS PLAYERS WILL BE ALL OVER THE WORLD,INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL,WISH AT ALL TIME THE VERY BEST WILL BE SELLECTED 2 REPRESENT THIS STATE.HE SHOULD BE ALLOWED 2 DO HIS COACHING JOB SYSTEMATICALLY,ANDBE GIVEN A DUE CAUTION OVER HIS ACTION.CHANGING OF THE COACH IS NOT THE RIGHT OPTION NOW LET HIM BUILD ON TEAM.HE IS A GOOD COACH.