Former Super Eagles stars Emmanuel Amuneke, Mutiu Adepoju and Abiodun Obafemi have expressed concern and offered prayers for former Nigeria coach Clemens Westerhof, who is battling colon cancer in the Netherlands.
The 86-year-old Dutchman is reportedly in critical condition at Rijnstate Hospital in Arnhem, his hometown. His wife, Lilian, disclosed that he was admitted last Wednesday, describing the cancer diagnosis as another major setback after his earlier battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She also raised concerns about his current care and expressed hope of transferring him to a better-equipped medical facility in Amsterdam or Germany.
Reacting to the news, Amuneke, who scored both goals in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Zambia in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations final, described Westerhof’s condition as a painful development for everyone who worked with him.
He praised the former coach’s contribution to Nigerian and African football, adding that he was praying for his recovery and strength for his family.
Adepoju, another member of the 1994 AFCON-winning squad, described Westerhof as one of Nigeria’s finest coaches, crediting him with bringing together talented players and helping the team achieve historic success.
“He may not be Nigerian, but he is one of us,” Adepoju said, highlighting the coach’s lasting legacy in the country.
Although Westerhof did not coach Obafemi, the former Olympic gold medallist also praised his influence on Nigerian football, describing him as instrumental in laying the foundation for the Super Eagles’ rise to continental and international prominence.
Westerhof coached Nigeria from 1989 to 1994, guiding the team to its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994 and winning the Africa Cup of Nations that same year. Under his leadership, Nigeria also reached fifth in the FIFA world rankings.
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