(Coach Jo Bonfrere. Photo by BBC News)
Former Super Eagles coach Jo Bonfrere says he has never received his Olympic gold medal or his reward for helping Nigeria win the men’s football event at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
He spoke to CreativeLordTV in Ebonyi State on Saturday, October 10, 2026, during a visit for the opening of Chief Agueze’s country home.
Asked whether the promises made after the win were kept, the 80 year old Dutch coach said through an interpreter that he has never seen the medal.
He said he does not even know what it looks like.
The interpreter said every player and official had been rewarded, but Bonfrere has waited three decades for his own.
The interpreter also said a minister pushed Bonfrere to pick certain players for the squad.
Bonfrere refused and said he had to choose the team he believed could win.
Nigeria beat Argentina 3 2 in the final. It became the first African nation to win Olympic gold in men’s football.
