Former Super Eagles Coach Westerhof Diagnosed With Colon Cancer

Former Super Eagles coach Clemens Westerhof is battling colon cancer and remains in critical condition at a hospital in Arnhem, the Netherlands.

His wife, Lilian, confirmed the development to Saturday Editor Onochie Anibeze on Friday night. She said the 86-year-old was receiving treatment at Rijnstate Hospital in 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.

Lilian disclosed that the former Nigerian coach arrived at the hospital on Wednesday. She described the cancer diagnosis as a fresh setback in his deteriorating health.

Westerhof had been living with Alzheimer’s disease before doctors diagnosed him with colon cancer.

His wife also expressed concern about the care he was receiving at the Arnhem facility. She said she hoped to transfer him to a better-equipped hospital in Amsterdam or Germany.

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

Westerhof turned 86 in May. He remains one of the most influential foreign coaches in Nigerian football history, having guided the Super Eagles through one of their most successful periods.

Under his leadership, Nigeria qualified for its first FIFA World Cup in 1994. The team also won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia that year.

His tenure also produced an AFCON silver medal in 1990 and bronze in 1992. The Super Eagles rose to fifth in the FIFA world rankings during his time in charge, marking a high point for Nigerian football.

Westerhof’s achievements helped strengthen Nigeria’s standing in international football and established his place in the country’s sporting history.