Bonfrere Returns To Nigeria On Private Visit, Set To Attend Ebonyi Event
Former Nigeria U-23 coach, Jo Bonfrere, has returned to Nigeria on a private visit, with the Dutchman expected to attend the official opening of High Chief Solomon Agueze Ejeh’s ultra-modern country home in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Completesports.com reports.
The 80-year-old Bonfrere, who guided Nigeria’s U-23 men’s national team to a historic gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, arrived in Nigeria on Sunday, 4 October 2026.
Kujah Confirm’s Dutchman’s Arrival In Ebonyi
‘Soccer Ambassador’ Friday Kuja, who brokered the Dutchman’s visit, disclosed that Bonfrere would be in Ebonyi State for the official opening of Chief Agueze’s country home on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
“Bonfrere arrived in Nigeria three days ago (Sunday). He’ll be at the opening of Chief Solomon Agueze’s facilities this week in Ebonyi State, amongst others,” Kuja said.
Chief Agueze is a former Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos chapter.
Bonfrere had told Completesports.com last week that he would be in Nigeria this week, but asked this writer to contact Kuja for further details about his visit.
On Wednesday, 7 October 2026, Bonfrere confirmed his arrival and said he was already in Ebonyi State, where he had seen the Chief Ejeh’s country home.
“I’m right now in the hotel in Ebonyi State. I’ve seen the house. It’s a wonderful structure; I’ve never seen one like it. Many other people are coming. The Chief just went out now, so I’m in the hotel,” Bonfrere said.
Bonfrere’s Fourth Nigeria Visit
The visit marks Bonfrere’s fourth trip to Nigeria since he left the country following Nigeria’s silver-medal finish at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations.
Bonfrere ealier returned to Nigeria in October 2022 when he served as an ambassador for the annual Evolution Cup. On 30 October 2022, he inspected the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Also Read: It’s A Shame Nigeria Won’t Go To U-20 AFCON, May Miss 2027 Women World Cup — Bonfrere
Before that visit, the Dutchman travelled to Nigeria in June 2018, when he visited Abuja to personally receive the keys to a three-bedroom apartment reportedly promised to him by the Federal Government for guiding Nigeria to Olympic football gold in 1996.
In May 2019, Bonfrere again visited Lagos, where he coached a team of former Super Eagles legends during a testimonial match held in honour of then-outgoing Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
In December 2021, Bonfrere returned to Nigeria and made an appearance at the Elizade JAC Motors showroom in Ikeja, Lagos.
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