Former Super Eagles of Nigeria coach, Clemens Westerhof has charged the current crop of players to go all out and do the nation proud at the forthcoming Nations Cup to be hosted by Egypt.
Westerhof, who spoke to AOIFootball.com in Abuja after receiving a 25-year deed to a house promised by the Federal of Nigeria after he led the class of 1994 Super Eagles to continental glory and first ever World Cup in the USA, said the country was blessed with abundant talent, both at home and abroad but all they need are discipline, good tactics and proper welfare from the Nigeria Football Federation.
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“Nigeria has several wonderful players both at home and abroad, so it shouldn’t say we will win the Africa Cup of Nations in a few years’ time. No! Now is the time for Nigeria to win the Nations Cup.
“All the current team needs is discipline, good tactics from the coach and I want the foreign-based players to resume camp on time. The federation should also, most importantly, pay their allowances on time.
“During my time, I would never allow my players to be owed bonuses. If everything is placed, from the government support to the administrators and the players’ commitment, things would work out fine,” Westerhof said.
Nicknamed ‘Dutcherian’ because of his love for Nigeria, Westerhof went on to narrate a few of his experiences when he was with the superclass of ’94 Eagles.
“Players themselves must not make stupid demands like they did during my time when they wanted double bonuses before our match against Italy at the 1994 World Cup.
“Of course, I stood my ground to tell them no, that was not the deal. The agreement was $10,000 per match and you either accept it or I leave the team right here.
“Everything about the players must come on time but they also have to be patient. I have waited 25 years to get my promise from the Nigerian government, so they should learn patience and know that theirs will always come to them,” Westerhof revealed.
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He also had a word for Coach Gernot Rohr and his team as they prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
