Former Super Eagles coach Clemens Westerhof is in critical condition after being diagnosed with colon cancer in the Netherlands, his wife Lilian has said.
The Westerhof colon cancer diagnosis was disclosed to a Nigerian journalist on Friday night, with his wife appealing for prayers and expressing concern over the care he is receiving at a Dutch hospital .
THE DIAGNOSIS
“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,” Lilian Westerhof said.
The 86-year-old is receiving treatment at Rijnstate Hospital in Arnhem, his hometown. He was taken to the hospital on Wednesday.
The Dutchman had previously been battling Alzheimer’s disease, making the cancer diagnosis a fresh challenge in his ongoing health struggles .
THE CARE CONCERNS
Lilian expressed concern over the care he was receiving at the hospital, saying she hoped to transfer him to a better-equipped medical facility in Amsterdam or Germany.
“They appear to have given up. I don’t understand,” she said.
THE LEGACY
Westerhof, who turned 86 in May, is remembered for his contributions to Nigerian football during his time as head coach of the Super Eagles.
He led Nigeria to the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title in Tunisia, the country’s second continental crown. He also guided the team to its first World Cup appearance in 1994, where the Super Eagles impressed before losing to Italy in the round of 16.
His tenure is remembered for assembling one of the most talented squads in Nigerian football history, including players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, and Finidi George.
WHY IT MATTERS
Westerhof is a significant figure in Nigerian football history, and his diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of support from fans and former players.
His wife’s appeal for prayers reflects the gravity of his condition. At 86, battling both Alzheimer’s and colon cancer, he faces a difficult fight.
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ValidViewNetwork joins Nigerians in wishing him strength and recovery.