Former Nigerian Coach, Coach Johannes Franciscus Bonfrere, has commended the Nigerian football system, saying he’s proud to be part of them during the 90’s.
He, added that the Nigerian football is part of his life and career.
Jo Bonfrere, made this known in a statement made available to Nigeriastandardng.
According to him, “the history of Nigerian football is part of my life and career and I am proud to have contributed in making the 90’s a decade particularly rich for Nigerian football on the international scene.
“During the 1994 USA World Cup, It was universally recognised that the Super Eagles was made up of a particularly talented group of individually gifted players. And that Nigerian team could have beaten any opposition during that competition.
“Like many Nigerians, I also believed that getting to the semi-final was achievable. Such a feat was only hindered by other issues beyond our control at that time.”
The Bulgarian coach, however said the regret he had was not able to push the players into attaining their full potential.
“On a Personal level, I can only regret not pushing that generation of players into attaining their full potential. Especially considering we had a qualified and experienced technical staff.
“I share the regret many Nigerians had, of not seeing that squad reach the final four stage of that World Cup.
“While the recent polemic in the press does not reflect the entire context of the interview I had with some journalists, it was clearly no intention of mine to generate unnecessary controversy or dig up old wounds.
“The misunderstanding that followed is largely regrettable and needless. And should not distract us from the point of focus today, which should be centred on ways of elevating the level of Nigerian football to what we used to know.”
However, the former Coach said that he believes in the future of the Nigeria football, so their is need to keep the players keep progressing individually.
“As someone who has coached the Super Eagles on several occasions, I strongly believe in the future of Nigerian football. The national focus should be channelled towards ensuring that Nigerian players keep progressing individually So that Nigerian fans can relive more glorious moments like the ones experienced in USA ’94 and in Atlanta ’96.”
While reacting on the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the former Coach, said that it’s a challenging time for everyone.
“However, this is the most challenging time for everybody globally, with the Coronavirus Outbreak, we should all remain determine to support and protect one another without any sentiment.”
“Covid19 Pandemic requires all hands on deck soberly, cooperatively, humanly, justly, equitably, fairly, consolidately and comprehensively to be able to fight it successfully and get the world back to good health and healthy economy” he said.
