Atlanta ’96 Gold: Bonfrère Jo Claims Medal Was Stolen, Says Government Never Rewarded Him
Thirty years after leading Nigeria to historic Olympic football gold at Atlanta ’96, former Dream Team coach Johannes Bonfrère Jo says he is yet to receive any government reward for his role in the triumph.
The Dutch tactician guided a talented Nigerian side featuring Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Taribo West, Celestine Babayaro, Garba Lawal and Emmanuel Amuneke to Africa’s first Olympic football gold medal.
Nigeria produced one of the most memorable comebacks in Olympic football history, defeating Brazil 4-3 after extra time in the semi-final before recovering from behind to beat Argentina 3-2 in the final at the Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.
While several members of the victorious squad have received national honours, financial rewards and other benefits over the years, Bonfrère says his contribution has not received similar recognition.
The 80-year-old former coach also revealed that the gold medal presented to him after Nigeria’s historic triumph was allegedly stolen.
“Even my gold medal was stolen from me, and I still didn’t get a reward from the government, which all the players have received, including players who were not on the list,” Bonfrère told The PUNCH.
According to the former coach, he does not know exactly how the medal disappeared but recalled that an official prevented him from following the players upstairs after the final.
“I don’t know how the medal was collected from me; I only know that when the players went upstairs, an official stopped me from going with them and the medal was gone,” he said.
Bonfrère added that he has repeatedly contacted relevant authorities in an attempt to have his contribution recognised, but his efforts have produced little result.
“I will be happy if something can be done because I have made several calls and sent messages but nobody was interested in helping me,” he added.
The Atlanta ’96 triumph remains one of the greatest achievements in Nigerian and African football history, with the Dream Team becoming the first African side to win Olympic football gold.
Three decades later, Bonfrère hopes the anniversary of the historic victory will lead to renewed recognition of his role in delivering Nigeria’s first and only Olympic football gold medal.
