Former Super Eagles midfielder Emeka Ezeugo has sensationally accused Clemens Westerhof of prioritising personal gains over Nigeria’s success at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Ezeugo, who earned 11 caps for Nigeria, claimed the Dutch tactician fielded players in the Round of 16 clash against Italy with the aim of boosting their transfer value rather than deploying the best possible team to secure victory.
The Super Eagles had a historic tournament, debuting on the global stage in impressive fashion by topping their group. They came close to upsetting Italy in the knockout round, leading 1-0 through Emmanuel Amuneke’s first-half strike. However, Roberto Baggio’s equaliser late in regulation time and his decisive penalty in extra time ended Nigeria’s dream of a quarterfinal spot.
Speaking on Brila FM’s Football Live, Ezeugo expressed his frustration with Westerhof’s squad selection for the match, insisting Nigeria could have gone all the way to win the World Cup if the right players had been given a chance.
“What made the 1994 team fail at the World Cup was because Clemens Westerhof was the agent of more than 90% of the players,” Ezeugo alleged. “He fielded players he wanted to sell. Everybody knew we didn’t have the best XI of Nigeria on the pitch. We should have won the World Cup!”
While Westerhof is celebrated for building one of the most formidable teams in Nigerian football history, Ezeugo’s comments cast a shadow over the coach’s legacy.
Westerhof guided the Super Eagles to their first-ever World Cup appearance and Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 1994, but these latest claims suggest there were underlying controversies during his tenure.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
