Clemens Westerhof Appeals to Tinubu to Relocate House to Safer Environment
Former Super Eagles coach Clemens Westerhof has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to help relocate the house allocated to him by the Nigerian government to a safer area in Abuja.
Westerhof made the appeal in an open letter to the President, explaining that he and his family have been unable to enjoy the property because of security concerns around its location. The house is situated in a remote part of Gwagwalada, near Kuje, in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Dutch coach said he was advised that the area was not safe because of prevailing security concerns, including the risk of kidnapping. As a result, he said his family has been unable to live in the property or even visit it when he travels to Nigeria.
The Federal Government allocated the house to Westerhof and his family in 2019 in recognition of his achievements with the Super Eagles. Westerhof said the gesture meant much more to his family than a building.
According to the former coach, the property represented a lasting symbol of the relationship between him and Nigeria. He recalled that his time with the Super Eagles helped create one of the most memorable periods in Nigerian football history.
Westerhof was the coach of the Super Eagles between 1989 and 1994. Under his leadership, Nigeria won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and qualified for the country’s first FIFA World Cup.
The Dutchman said those achievements were not his alone. He credited the players, supporters and Nigerians who supported the national team during that era.
Westerhof said he and his wife accepted the government’s housing gesture with gratitude. However, he explained that the security situation around the property’s location has made it impossible for them to enjoy the reward safely.
He revealed that his family had already approached government officials about the matter. According to Westerhof, they met with the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development in Abuja before submitting a formal request to the current minister.
The former Super Eagles coach said the request was simple. He wants the house allocation moved to a safer part of Abuja so that his family can finally enjoy the honour given to them by the Nigerian government.
“We are not asking for luxury or special treatment. We are simply asking that the honour already given to us can be enjoyed safely,” Westerhof said in his appeal.
He also expressed concern about the emotional impact of the situation. Westerhof said Nigeria has remained his second home despite being born in the Netherlands.
The former coach said the affection he received from Nigerians has remained strong over the years. He added that his own affection for Nigeria has also never faded.
Westerhof therefore called on President Tinubu to intervene and help resolve the matter. He said relocating the property would allow his family to receive the gift in the spirit in which it was originally intended.
The appeal comes as Westerhof remains fondly remembered for helping build the Super Eagles team that made history in the early 1990s. His tenure produced Nigeria’s second Africa Cup of Nations title and the country’s first appearance at a FIFA World Cup.
For Westerhof, the house was meant to serve as a lasting recognition of that contribution. He is now asking the Federal Government to ensure that the reward can be enjoyed without fear.
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