Bonfrere Jo Petitions Senate Over Unfulfilled 1996 Olympics Reward, Alleges Lagos Government Denied Promised Property
By TAYO TAIWO (T.T.) OLUWOLE
NEARLY three decades after leading Nigeria’s Dream Team to an unforgettable Olympic triumph, former Super Eagles coach Bonfrere Jo has turned to the Senate for justice — alleging that the Lagos State Government has yet to fulfil its promise of a property reward made to him in 1996.
The Dutch tactician, who guided Nigeria’s U-23 team to a historic gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, has petitioned the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, seeking an investigation into the alleged denial of the promised plot of land.
Under Bonfrere’s leadership, Nigeria stunned the world — defeating Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina en route to clinching the country’s first-ever Olympic football gold medal, an achievement that placed African football on the global stage.
The Petition and Allegations
The petition, filed through Bonfrere’s legal representatives, T.O. Adejoh & Company, and copied to the Senate Committee on Sports, urges the lawmakers to summon the Lagos State Government for explanations.
According to the document, the land was originally allocated to Bonfrere by Colonel Olagunsoye Oyinlola (rtd), who served as the state’s military governor in 1996. However, nearly 30 years later, the coach claims he has never taken possession of the property.
The petition also calls on the Senate to take all “necessary steps, including pressuring the Lagos State Government to release or reallocate another befitting plot commensurate with the coach’s contribution to Nigeria’s sporting glory.”
“All Others Got Their Rewards – Except Bonfrere”
Speaking after submitting the petition, Eze Okechukwu, Bonfrere’s media aide, expressed disappointment that the coach remains the only member of the 1996 gold-winning team yet to receive his allocation.
“All the players and technical crew members received their promised rewards,” Okechukwu said. “Legends like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Daniel Amokachi, Taribo West, Emmanuel Amuneke, and Tijani Babangida have all confirmed receiving theirs. Only Coach Bonfrere Jo has been left out.”
He described the situation as “a long-standing injustice” against a man whose achievement “remains unmatched by any Nigerian coach to date.”
Appeal to Senate and Lagos Governor
Okechukwu expressed optimism that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, known for his passion for sports development, would ensure the matter receives fair attention.
“Senator Akpabio understands what global sporting achievements mean to national pride,” he said. “We are confident that he will see to it that the right thing is done.”
Bonfrere, he added, has made several attempts to engage the Lagos State Government directly but was unable to secure a meeting with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He also recalled that the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah had tried to intervene before his death, though his efforts were cut short.
Nonetheless, Okechukwu remains hopeful that the Lagos governor, “a sports-loving leader,” will review the case with fairness once fully briefed.
A Forgotten Hero’s Plea
For many Nigerian football fans, Bonfrere Jo’s name evokes memories of pride and nostalgia. The coach not only delivered Nigeria’s first Olympic football gold but also managed the Super Eagles at various times, guiding them to qualification for the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations final and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
His petition, therefore, raises broader questions about how Nigeria treats its sporting heroes—and whether promises made in the glow of victory can stand the test of time.
As the Senate begins its review, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the man who once gave the country its greatest footballing moment will finally receive his long-awaited reward.
