Former Super Eagles head coach Clemens Westerhof is in critical condition after doctors diagnosed him with colon cancer in the Netherlands.
According to Vanguard on Saturday, his wife, Lilian, shared the news with the newspaper’s Saturday Editor, Onochie Anibeze, on Friday night.
The 86 year old is receiving treatment at Rijnstate Hospital in Arnhem, his hometown. However, Lilian has raised concerns about his care and hopes to move him to a better equipped hospital in Amsterdam or Germany.
“They appear to have given up. I don’t understand,” she said.
Lilian said doctors had informed the family of Westerhof’s diagnosis, leaving them devastated. She also described his condition and appealed for support as he fights the illness.
“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, Westerhof went to hospital on Wednesday. The cancer diagnosis has added to his ongoing health problems, as he had previously been battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Westerhof leaves lasting legacy with Nigeria
Westerhof, who turned 86 in May, remains a major figure in Nigerian football history because of his achievements with the Super Eagles.
The Dutch coach guided Nigeria to its first FIFA World Cup qualification in 1994. He then led the team to win the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia that same year.
Under his leadership, Nigeria also finished runners up at the 1990 AFCON and claimed the bronze medal in 1992. Furthermore, the Super Eagles climbed to fifth in the FIFA world rankings during his tenure, marking a landmark achievement for Nigerian and African football.
At the 1994 World Cup in the United States, Westerhof guided Nigeria into the second round. The team’s performances helped strengthen the country’s reputation on the international stage.
Born on 3 May 1940, Westerhof has held several football roles across Africa since 1989. However, his achievements with Nigeria remain the defining chapter of his coaching career.
As the former coach continues treatment in the Netherlands, his family hopes he can receive the care he needs. They have also appealed for prayers and support during this difficult period.
