Former Super Eagles coach Jo Bonfrère has said he has not received his reward for leading Nigeria to win gold in men’s football at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. This is 30 years after that historic victory.
The 80-year-old Dutchman shared this in an interview with CreativeLordTV in Ebonyi State. He was there for the opening of Chief Agueze’s country home on Saturday.
When asked if the promises made to him after Nigeria won the gold medal had been kept, Bonfrère replied through an interpreter. He said he has never seen the gold medal or his reward.
“I have never seen the gold. That’s the problem, so I don’t know how it looks. I don’t know how the gold medal looks because I have never received it,” he said.
The interpreter added that while players and other officials got their rewards, Bonfrère had been left out for 30 years. “Every player has received, even the reward, every player and official. So after 30 years, I have never received my reward,” the interpreter said.
The interview also discussed Bonfrère’s disagreement with a minister over player selection for the Olympic tournament. According to the interpreter, the minister pressured the coach to pick certain players, but Bonfrère wanted to choose the squad he felt could win.
This latest claim follows an interview Bonfrère gave to The PUNCH in August 2026. He said his Olympic gold medal was stolen while in the care of a team official.
He explained that the medal went missing after an official stopped him from going upstairs with the players. He also mentioned he had not received the government reward meant for the victorious team.
“They were claiming that everyone has received their rewards, but I have not received anything; they have never given me the reward for winning the gold medal,” he told The PUNCH.
“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 said he tried to get recognition from the relevant authorities but had little success. Still, he hopes the government will one day recognize his contribution to Nigerian football.
He led a talented team that included Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Taribo West, Celestine Babayaro, Garba Lawal, and Emmanuel Amuneke to Olympic glory in Atlanta.
Nigeria defeated Brazil 4-3 after extra time in a thrilling semi-final. They then came from behind to beat Argentina 3-2 in the final at Sanford Stadium in Georgia.
This victory made Nigeria the first African country to win Olympic gold in men’s football.
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