Clemens Westerhof, former Super Eagles head coach, has been hospitalised after he was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Lillian, Clemens’ wife, confirmed the illness in an Instagram post on Saturday.

She added that the family needs prayer and support, adding that an emotional Westerhof clings on to life despite his critical condition.

According to Vanguard Newspaper, the veteran coach is receiving treatment at Rijnstate Hospital in Arnhem, his hometown in the Netherlands.

Westerhof was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday, and Lillian added that he could be moved to a facility in Amsterdam, the Dutch capital, or Germany for better treatment.

“The doctor just told us he has colon cancer and we are all devastated,” she said.

“He is in a critical condition and emotional, talking about our two daughters.

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

Westerhof, who had battled Alzheimer’s Disease long-term, previously suffered a severe fall and waist dislocation in 2022.

He served as Super Eagles head coach from 1989 to 1994 and is revered as the coach who transformed Nigerian football. He won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and qualified Nigeria for its first-ever FIFA World Cup in the same year.

Nigeria ranked fifth in the FIFA rankings during his tenure- the highest position ever by Nigeria and an Africa record that stands till date.