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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Gossip does not bring results in football, Jo Bonfrere tells Nigerians — — –

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Celebrates Atlanta ‘96 gold medal 24 years after
Former Super Eagles handler, Johannes Bonfrere, has counseled the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and football-loving Nigerians to do away with ‘unnecessary gossip,’ which he said does not bring results in the round leather game.

Bonfrere, who led the Nigerian U-23 squad, tagged Dream Team, to capture the gold medal at the Atlanta ‘96 Olympic Games, the first by any African country, spoke on a video sent to The Guardian. He said:
“There are many signs of good generation in the making with increasing number of young and athletic Nigerian players who are doing well in European clubs. The NFF can become very strong again and win trophies like before. They should show that focus by putting more energy on building a winning and entertaining team and leave out ‘unnecessary gossip’ that brings no results in football.”

Bonfrere debunked claims in some quarters that he approached a radio station in Nigeria to cause some misleading reports.

“Nigeria is my second home, and I have always maintained a good working relationship with the media. No one should create any issue that does not exist. My advise to my Nigerian friends (journalists) is to remain professional and verify every information before engaging your audience because your media organisation has a good reputation.”

The Dutchman, who was part of Super Eagles’ team that picked silver medal at the Ghana/Nigeria 2000 African Nations Cup, also spoke on his achievement at Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games.

“This week makes it 24 years since that historic feat, and there is no better time to talk about our football gold medal at Atlanta ‘96 Olympics. It was an achievement made possible through the support of Nigerians everywhere in the world.”

It would be recalled that 24 years ago, precisely on August 3, 1996, Emmanuel Amuneke flicked home a 90th minute winner off a free kick after both Celestine Babayaro (28th) and Daniel Amokachi (74th) had canceled out Argentina’s goals by Claudio Lopez (third min) and Hernan Crespo (50th pen.), to win the match. Till today, even world football ruling body, FIFA, is still celebrating the performance by Coach Bonfrere and his boys at Atlanta ‘96.

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