Westerhof Appeals to Presidency for Relocation of  House Promised Him to Safer Environment

Former Super Eagles Eagles Coach, Clemens Westerhof has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians for a switch of the house allocated to him in a remote area of Gwagwalada, near Kuje, within the Federal Capital Territory, to a safer place.

In an open letter to the president, the Dutch coach recalled how 30 years ago, he shared a dream. “Together, we built a football team that united a nation, inspired a continent, and made history. In 1994, we lifted Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations trophy and qualified the Super Eagles for their first FIFA World Cup. Those achievements were never mine alone—they belonged to every Nigerian.

“Although I was born in the Netherlands, Nigeria became my second home. The love, kindness, and support I received from the Nigerian people remain among the greatest blessings of my life. I will always be grateful for the privilege of serving such a proud football nation.

“In recognition of those achievements, the Federal Government of Nigeria graciously allocated a house to my family in 2019. My wife and I accepted this honour with deep gratitude. To us, it represented far more than a building; it was a lasting symbol of the friendship between Nigeria and a coach who gave his heart to the country,” Westerhof recalled.

Sadly however, Westerhof and his family have not been able to enjoy this generous gift because the house is located in a remote area of Gwagwalada, near Kuje, within the Federal Capital Territory, and with the prevailing security concerns, including the risk of kidnapping, the Dutchman was strongly advised that it is unsafe to live there or even visit whenever he travelled to Nigeria.

“This has been heartbreaking for us. We are not asking for luxury or special treatment. We are simply asking that the honour already given to us can be enjoyed safely.

“Over the past year, we have respectfully approached the appropriate authorities. We met with the former Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development in Abuja and later submitted a formal appeal to the current Honourable Minister, requesting that the allocation be relocated to a safer area within Abuja. We have patiently awaited a response.

“Today, I respectfully appeal to Your Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the Nigerian people.

I ask only for your understanding and your compassion. A national honour should be one that can be enjoyed without fear. I sincerely hope that the Federal Government will consider relocating the allocated house to a safer part of Abuja so that my family and I can finally receive this gift in the spirit in which it was intended,” Westerhof said.

The octogenarian opined that Nigeria has given him memories that he will cherish forever, just as he stated that the affection of the Nigerian people has never faded, and neither has his affection for Nigeria.

“I remain proud to have worn the green and white with honour. I remain proud of every player, every supporter, and every Nigerian who believed in us.

Your Excellency, I humbly ask for your kind intervention so that this matter may be resolved. It would mean more to my family than words can express, and it would reaffirm the enduring bond between Nigeria and one of its grateful former coaches,” he appealed.

Westerhof was former Technical Adviser and Head Coach Super Eagles of Nigeria between 1989 and 1994.