Former Super Eagles coach Clemens Westerhof has been diagnosed with colon cancer and is in critical condition at a hospital in the Netherlands, his wife Lilian has disclosed.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, Lilian appealed for prayers and support as the family explores treatment options for the 86-year-old.

She said Westerhof was receiving treatment at Rijnstate Hospital in Arnhem, his hometown, after being taken there on Wednesday following a deterioration in his health.

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

She added that the former coach was distressed and had been talking about their two daughters.

“He wants to live. We need help. We need prayers,” she said.

Lilian also expressed concern about the care he was receiving and said the family was considering moving him to a medical facility in Amsterdam or Germany.

“They appear to have given up. I don’t understand,” she said.

Westerhof has reportedly been living with Alzheimer’s disease. He also suffered a severe fall and a dislocated waist in 2022.

The Dutchman coached Nigeria’s senior national team from 1989 to 1994, leading the Super Eagles to their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994 in the United States.

That same year, he guided Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Tunisia, where the team defeated Zambia 2-1 in the final.

Under his leadership, Nigeria finished second at the 1990 AFCON and won bronze in 1992. The team also reached fifth in the FIFA world rankings during his tenure, its highest position to date.

At the 1994 World Cup, Nigeria reached the round of 16 before losing 2-1 to Italy after extra time.

Westerhof’s time with the Super Eagles helped establish Nigeria as a contender in African football and introduced a generation of players who went on to feature prominently on the international stage.