Ex-Super Eagles Coach Westerhof hospitalised with colon cancer
By Tosin Omojola
Former Super Eagles coach Clemens Westerhof has been hospitalised in the Netherlands after being diagnosed with colon cancer.
His wife, Lilian, has appealed for prayers, love and support as the Dutch tactician battles the illness.
According to Lilian, Westerhof has been in hospital since Wednesday, with the diagnosis confirmed afterwards.
Lilian added “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 also disclosed that Westerhof, who has Alzheimer’s disease, urgently needs support as the family navigates the difficult period.
“My husband urgently needs your prayers, love and support during this very difficult time. Our family is going through an incredibly painful moment, and we are holding on to hope and faith. Every prayer, every share and every act of kindness can make a meaningful difference to our family during this difficult journey”, She added.
She added that the family was seeking to transfer Westerhof to a better-equipped hospital in Amsterdam or Germany for further treatment.
Westerhof is widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in Nigeria’s football history. He spent five years in charge of the Super Eagles, leading the team to its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994.
He also guided Nigeria to victory at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), ending the country’s 14-year wait for the continental title. Four years earlier, he had led the team to a silver-medal finish at the 1990 AFCON in Algeria.
