Ex-Super Eagles coach Westerhof battles colon cancer, wife seeks prayers

Former Super Eagles coach, Clemens Westerhof. Photo: BBC

A former Super Eagles coach, Clemens Westerhof, is in critical condition after being diagnosed with colon cancer in the Netherlands.

According to Vanguard on Saturday, his wife, Lilian, disclosed the development to its Saturday Editor, Onochie Anibeze, on Friday night, saying the 86-year-old was receiving treatment at Rijnstate Hospital in Arnhem, his hometown.

“The doctor just told us he has colon cancer and we are all devastated. He is in a critical condition and emotional, talking about our two daughters. He wants to live. We need help. We need prayers,” she said.

According to Vanguard, Lilian said Westerhof was taken to the hospital on Wednesday, adding that the cancer diagnosis was a fresh challenge in his ongoing health struggles.

The Dutchman had previously been battling Alzheimer’s disease.

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His wife also expressed concern over the care he was receiving at the hospital, saying she hoped to transfer him to a better-equipped medical facility in Amsterdam or Germany.

“They appear to have given up. I don’t understand,” she said.

Westerhof, who turned 86 in May, is remembered for his contributions to Nigerian football during his time as head coach of the Super Eagles.

He led Nigeria to qualify for its first FIFA World Cup in 1994 and guided the team to win the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia the same year.

Under his leadership, Nigeria finished second at the 1990 AFCON and claimed bronze in 1992. The team also rose to fifth in the FIFA world rankings during his tenure, marking a significant achievement for Nigerian and African football.

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