By Ighodalo Isiramen
Former Super Eagles handler Bonfrere Jo has expressed delight at the strength of the Nigeria senior national team, this is even as he has christened Eagles ‘the best team in Africa’.
In a radio interview with Brila fm, the Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold winning Coach also emphasised on the need to start preparations early insisting that early and top-notch preparation was part of the secrets of the Atlanta ’96 success.
Speaking on the World Cup draw, Bonfrere said he is hopeful Nigeria would be favoured, adding that she deserves a place in the semi final rounds.
“I hope the Super Eagles get a good draw come Friday, the team is strong and they deserve a place in the next round”, Bonfrere began. “The team is very good, and when I talk about the team, I don’t mean just the players. I am talking about the Coaches, the trainers, the assistant coaches and all that makes up the team”.
The 71-year-old Dutch Veteran also added his voice on the players’ bonus issue, and advised the Nigeria Football Federation to sort everything regarding bonuses early.
Bonfrère led Nigeria national football team to the 1996 Summer Olympics gold medal in Atlanta, Georgia.
He was the coach of Al-Ahly in Egypt in 2002/03 where he lost the league at the very last match with a difference of two points after which his contract was terminated.
He also led Nigeria to the 2000 African Cup of Nations co-hosted by Nigeria and Ghana. Bonfrère led the Nigerian team to the finals, where they lost to Cameroon by penalties.