Former Super Eagles head coach Clemens Westerhof has reportedly been diagnosed with colon cancer and is in critical condition at a hospital in the Netherlands, according to his wife, Lilian.
Lilian disclosed the development in an Instagram post on Saturday, appealing for prayers and support as the family considers treatment options for the 86-year-old football tactician.
She said Westerhof was receiving treatment at Rijnstate Hospital in Arnhem, his hometown, after his health deteriorated and he was taken to the facility on Wednesday.
“The doctor just told us he has colon cancer and we are all devastated,” she said.
The diagnosis has reportedly left the family distressed, with Lilian expressing concern about her husband’s condition and his desire to recover.
According to her, Westerhof has been talking about their two daughters during the difficult period.
“He wants to live. We need help. We need prayers,” she said.
READ ALSO: Drake’s Team Denies Stealing ‘Janice STFU’ Chorus, Calls Lawsuit a Money Grab
Family Considers Treatment Options
Lilian also raised concerns about the care Westerhof was receiving at the hospital, suggesting that the family was not satisfied with the situation.
She said they were considering transferring him to another medical facility, possibly in Amsterdam or Germany, in search of further treatment options.
“They appear to have given up. I don’t understand,” she said.
Her comments reflect the family’s anxiety as they navigate the reported diagnosis and consider the next steps in his care.
There has been no independent medical statement provided in the account confirming the diagnosis or detailing Westerhof’s prognosis. The information about his condition and the family’s concerns comes from his wife’s public appeal.
The former coach has reportedly been living with Alzheimer’s disease. He also suffered a serious fall in 2022, during which he sustained a dislocated waist, according to reports.
Westerhof’s Legacy With the Super Eagles
Westerhof remains a significant figure in Nigerian football history because of his role in building the Super Eagles team that reached new heights in the early 1990s.
The Dutchman took charge of Nigeria’s senior national team in 1989 and remained in the position until 1994. During his tenure, he helped develop a squad that became one of the most celebrated generations in the country’s football history.
His greatest achievement came in 1994, when Nigeria qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
The Super Eagles travelled to the United States for the tournament and made an impressive impression, finishing top of a group that included Argentina, Bulgaria and Greece.
Nigeria advanced to the round of 16, where the team faced Italy. The Super Eagles took the lead through Emmanuel Amunike but were eliminated after Italy’s Roberto Baggio scored late in regulation time and added a penalty in extra time to secure a 2–1 victory.
Despite the defeat, Nigeria’s performance at the tournament earned widespread recognition and remains a landmark in the country’s football history.
1994 AFCON Triumph and Other Achievements
That same year, Westerhof guided Nigeria to victory at the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
The Super Eagles defeated Zambia 2–1 in the final to claim their second AFCON title and their first continental championship since 1980.
Nigeria had also reached the final of the 1990 AFCON, finishing as runners-up to hosts Algeria, before securing third place at the 1992 tournament.
Under Westerhof, the national team also climbed to fifth in the FIFA world rankings in April 1994, a position that remains a historic high for Nigeria.
His tenure helped bring several Nigerian players to international prominence, including Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, Finidi George and Sunday Oliseh. Many members of that generation went on to enjoy successful careers with prominent clubs and became important figures in Nigerian football.
Westerhof’s work laid foundations that continued to influence the national team after his departure in 1994.
Prayers and Support for the Former Coach
News of Westerhof’s reported diagnosis has drawn attention to the health of the man who helped deliver one of the most memorable periods in the Super Eagles’ history.
His wife’s appeal highlights the family’s concern as they explore possible treatment arrangements and seek support during what she described as a devastating period.
For Nigerian football supporters, Westerhof is remembered not only for the 1994 AFCON triumph and the country’s first World Cup appearance but also for helping shape a generation that elevated Nigeria’s standing in international football.
As the family considers its next steps, supporters will be hoping for further updates on his condition and the possibility of treatment.
QED.NG — Report covering the diagnosis, his wife’s statement and his coaching achievements.
