FG fulfills 22-yr-old promise to ex-Super Eagles boss Bonfrere Jo

The Federal Government of Nigeria has fulfilled its long-time promise to former Super Eagles Coach, Bonfrere Jo after the Dutch technician led the national team to victory at the 1996 Olympics football gold medal in Atlanta.

The Super Eagles achieved a surprising feat in the United States that year as they overcame highly-ranked teams like Brazil and Argentina to earn the gold.

The then government of General Sani Abacha promised the coach a housing apartment after he won the competition, but since then, past governments have not made any attempt of delivering the promise.

Minister of Power Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, handed Bonfrere the keys during a brief ceremony in Abuja.

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Fashola said, “Let me on behalf of the President apologise to you that it has taken so long for the Nigerian government to come through. We thank you for your contribution to the development of our country, our youth, football and to say that it is better late than never. Nigeria always come through, we have come through for you.

“It is proper that with just few days to another World Cup, Nigeria fulfils and redeems this pledge and I hope that this will serve as an inspiration to our players going to the World Cup and the officials that this government will be there for you all the way.

“Ordinarily, this ought to be a short meeting but if it take 24 years for the government of the country to respond to its citizens, it must assume a news making event. This is consistent with the commitment that the President has made that once again, he will make Nigerians proud of their country. This country should always be there to respond to the needs and expectations of the citizens.”

In response, The 71-year-old coach thanked the Federal Government, adding that he “craves for an impressive performance” for the Super Eagles in Russia, and offers his support to the team and technical staff.

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