International Football
DUTCH WAR AS WESTERHOF FLOORS JO BONFRÈRE IN COURT OVER NIGERIA – ITALY WORLD CUP MATCH
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
A court sitting in Arnhem, in the Netherlands has ruled that former Nigerian national team coach, Jo Bonfrère should placed an apology in a Nigerian newspaper for defamation of his former colleague’s character, Clemens Westerhof.
The later, easily the most successful coach Nigeria ever employed dragged his compatriot, Jo Bonfrère to court for defamation of character.
According to various newspaper publications in the Netherlands, Westerhof had gone to court of Arnhem demanding rectification from Bonfrère over statements that the Nigeria –Italy Round of 16 match at the USA ’94 World Cup was fixed.
AD, a publication in the Netherlands reviewed the relationship of both Dutch citizens and how it got sour just before the 1994 World Cup.
It went on to report that Bonfrère (74) told a radio station in Nigeria earlier this year that the 80-year-old Westerhof, as the national coach of Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup, had ‘sold’ the match against Italy for $ 100,000.
The allegation prompted Westerhof to seek redress in court.
He therefore demanded rectification from his former Limburg assistant, who later succeeded him as the national coach of Nigeria.
Westerhof, according to the AD reports, said he can now return to the Nigerian union as technical director.
The former trainer first wants his name cleared. The judge will make a decision in the summary proceedings within two weeks.
According to another Dutch publication, Voetbal International, the rather remarkable and painful case came to an end with the court ruling in Westerhof’s favour.
Westerhof who clocked 80 in June, was in the past assistant trainer of Feyenoord, interim trainer at Vitesse and final responsibility at MVV Maastricht, before he was surprisingly appointed as national coach of Nigeria in the summer of 1989.
He did not qualify with that country for the 1990 World Cup, but later that year he did reach the final of the Africa Cup, the tournament where he also took bronze two years later.
The absolute highlight was the year 1994, in which Nigeria won the Africa Cup and reached the World Cup in the United States.
There, Super Eagles were narrowly eliminated in the eighth final (2-1 after extra time) by the eventual losing finalist Italy.
Despite that elimination, Westerhof and his players were hailed in Nigeria.
During that tournament, Bonfrère (now 74 years old) was already the assistant national coach, after Westerhof’s departure he took over.
Incidentally, both gentlemen were no longer friends at that successful World Cup.
Just before the 1994 Africa Cup, the two got into a fight and Westerhof was completely done with his right hand, it was thanks to the intervention of a high-ranking officer from the former Nigerian National Sports Commission that Bonfrère was allowed to stay on as assistant national coach.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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