Former Super Eagles coach, Bonfrere Jo, has petitioned the Nigerian Senate over the alleged refusal of the Lagos State Government to release a property promised to him nearly three decades ago for leading Nigeria to football gold at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
In the petition, submitted through his lawyers, T.O. Adejoh and Company, to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions and copied to the Committee on Sports, Bonfrere urged the upper chamber to investigate the matter and compel the Lagos State Government to fulfil its promise.
He recalled that following Nigeria’s historic victory under his guidance — where the team defeated Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina to become the first African nation to win Olympic gold in men’s football — the then Military Governor of Lagos State, Col. Olagunsoye Oyinlola (rtd), allocated plots of land to the team members and officials as a reward.
However, while all the players and coaching staff reportedly received their allocations, Bonfrere said he was yet to take possession of his own plot.
The petition requested that the Senate summon the Lagos State Government to explain why the land allocated to him has not been released and to take steps to either hand over the original property or reallocate a new one of equal value.
Speaking through his media aide, Eze Okechukwu, Bonfrere described the situation as “unfair and disappointing,” stressing that his 1996 achievement “remains unmatched by any Nigerian coach.”
He expressed confidence that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, known for his support of sports development, would ensure the matter is resolved.
Bonfrere added that several attempts to reach Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had been unsuccessful, though he remained optimistic that the governor, whom he described as “a sports-loving leader,” would act once fully informed of the facts.
He also acknowledged the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who had shown interest in helping to resolve the long-standing issue before his death.
