Former Dream Team coach Johannes “Bonfrère” Jo, who guided Nigeria to a football gold in Atlanta Olympics, has revealed what would come as a shock to many soccer loving Nigerians.
He has stated that the Olympic gold medal he received after Nigeria’s historic triumph in Atlanta was stolen; that it disappeared while in the custody of a team official.
This is as he expresses disappointment that the federal government was yet to reward his role in that sterling performance.
It would be recalled that Nigeria’s Dream Team indeed remained impressive in that competition, defeating footballing giants like Brazil and Argentina onwards lifting the gold trophy in Atlanta, USA in 1994 with the Federal Government promising mouthwatering rewards for the athletes and their officials.
The 80-year-old Dutchman told Punch that the experience had remained one of the most painful memories of his association with Nigerian football.
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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 said he had made repeated pleas for recognition, and that though these have remained unheeded, he would not give up.
The Eagle reports that Nigeria’s Olympics Gold medal win football remains a treasure given the unassailable way it was won, thirth years ago.
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