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WESTERHOF HOSPITALISED, DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER

October 17, 2026 • Dons Eze • 1 min read

Former Super Eagles of Nigeria coach, Clemens Westerhof, has been hospitalized for colon cancer in The Netherlands.

According to his wife, Lilian, the coach needs prayers, love, and support as he battles his latest medical issue.

According to report confirmed by Lilian, Westerhof has been hospitalized since Wednesday, with the colon cancer diagnosis revealed afterwards.

“The doctor just told us he has colon cancer and we are all devastated,”she started. “He is in a critical condition and emotional, talking about our two daughters.”

“He wants to live. We need help. We need prayers.”

Lilian further requested more hands in prayer for the tactician who also has Alzheimer’s Disease.

“My husband urgently needs your prayers, love, and support during this very difficult time. Our family is going through an incredibly painful moment, and we are holding on to hope and faith.”

“Every prayer, every share, and every act of kindness can make a meaningful difference to our family during this difficult journey.”

Lilian also revealed the family is looking to transfer the Kwara-based coach to better-equipped hospitals in either Amsterdam or Germany.

Westerhof spent five years as national team coach and led Nigeria to her first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1994.

He also won the AFCON 1994 to end Nigeria’s 14-year title drought.

Dons Eze

DONS EZE, PhD, Political Philosopher and Journalist of over four decades standing, worked in several newspaper houses across the country, and rose to the positions of Editor and General Manager. A UNESCO Fellow in Journalism, Dr. Dons Eze, a prolific writer and author of many books, attended several courses on Journalism and Communication in both Nigeria and overseas, including a Postgraduate Course on Journalism at Warsaw, Poland; Strategic Communication and Practical Communication Approach at RIPA International, London, the United Kingdom, among others.