This Article Was Last Updated: July 19, 2026 by Oseg Hale
Clemens Westerhof is a Dutch football coach who managed the Nigeria national football team from 1989 to 1994. He led the Super Eagles to the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title and qualified Nigeria for its first FIFA World Cup in 1994.
Who is Clemens Westerhof?
Clemens Westerhof was born on 3 May 1940 in Beerta, Groningen, Netherlands. He is a former Dutch football coach best known for managing the Super Eagles between 1989 and 1994. During his tenure, Nigeria won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and reached the Round of 16 at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Clemens Westerhof Early Life
Clemens Westerhof was born in Beerta, Groningen, in the Netherlands. He began his coaching career in Dutch football and worked as an assistant coach at Feyenoord before taking managerial positions at Vitesse Arnhem and MVV Maastricht. He later returned to Vitesse Arnhem before accepting an international coaching opportunity.
Clemens Westerhof Age
Clemens Westerhof was born on 3 May 1940. As of 2026, he is 86 years old.
Clemens Westerhof Wife and Family
Clemens Westerhof was previously married to Zimbabwean model Tendayi Katekete, who later became known as Tendayi Westerhof. The couple had a daughter named Aaliyah Nyashadzashe Westerhof. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2002.
Clemens Westerhof Coaching Career
Westerhof began his managerial career with Vitesse Arnhem before joining MVV Maastricht. He later returned to Vitesse Arnhem and subsequently accepted the role of Nigeria national team head coach in 1989. After leaving Nigeria, he managed Zimbabwe, Mamelodi Sundowns, Dynamos Harare and Bush Bucks.
Clemens Westerhof Managerial Career
| Years | Team |
| 1976 | Vitesse Arnhem |
| 1980 | Feyenoord (Assistant Coach) |
| 1983–1984 | MVV Maastricht |
| 1984–1985 | Vitesse Arnhem |
| 1989–1994 | Nigeria |
| 1998–2000 | Zimbabwe |
| 2000 | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| 2001 | Dynamos Harare |
| 2004 | Bush Bucks |
Clemens Westerhof and the Super Eagles
The Nigeria Football Association appointed Clemens Westerhof as Super Eagles head coach in 1989. Nigeria had narrowly failed to qualify for the 1990 FIFA World Cup after losing to Cameroon in the final qualifying round.
Westerhof introduced stricter disciplinary standards, improved fitness programmes and implemented a structured tactical system. He also integrated experienced players with emerging talents during the rebuilding process.
Nigeria reached the final of the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria after defeating Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Senegal. Algeria defeated Nigeria 1–0 in the final.
Nigeria returned to the Africa Cup of Nations in 1992 and finished third after defeating Cameroon in the third-place match.
Westerhof continued developing players, including Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, Finidi George, Emmanuel Amuneke, Sunday Oliseh, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu during his tenure.
1994 Africa Cup of Nations
Nigeria competed at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia under Westerhof. The Super Eagles defeated Gabon, drew with Egypt and progressed to the knockout stage.
Nigeria defeated Zaire in the quarter-finals before eliminating Côte d’Ivoire on penalties in the semi-finals. The Super Eagles then defeated Zambia 2–1 in the final to win the Africa Cup of Nations.
1994 FIFA World Cup
Nigeria qualified for its first FIFA World Cup after finishing ahead of Côte d’Ivoire on goal difference in the final qualifying round.
At the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Nigeria defeated Bulgaria 3–0, lost 2–1 to Argentina and defeated Greece 2–0 to finish first in Group D.
Nigeria faced Italy in the Round of 16. Emmanuel Amuneke scored Nigeria’s opening goal before Roberto Baggio equalised in the 88th minute. Baggio scored again from the penalty spot during extra time as Italy won 2–1.
Nigeria exited the tournament in the Round of 16.
Clemens Westerhof Coaching Style
Westerhof emphasised tactical organisation, physical fitness, discipline and structured defending. He also encouraged quick attacking transitions and promoted younger players into the national team.
Life After Leaving Nigeria
Following his departure from Nigeria in 1994, Westerhof coached the Zimbabwe national team between 1998 and 2000. He subsequently managed Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, Dynamos Harare in Zimbabwe and Bush Bucks in South Africa.
He also served as technical director for football development projects in Zimbabwe.
SAFA Contract Dispute
In 2000, Westerhof initiated legal proceedings against the South African Football Association over an alleged breach of contract after he was not appointed South Africa’s national team coach. The matter was later resolved out of court.
Return to Nigeria
In 2005, Westerhof was linked with a return as Super Eagles head coach during Nigeria’s search for a new manager. No appointment followed.
Clemens Westerhof Honours and Achievements
Nigeria
- Africa Cup of Nations: 1994
- Africa Cup of Nations runner-up: 1990
- Africa Cup of Nations third place: 1992
- Qualified Nigeria for the 1994 FIFA World Cup
- Reached the Round of 16 at the 1994 FIFA World Cup
Clemens Westerhof Records
- First coach to qualify Nigeria for the FIFA World Cup.
- Guided Nigeria to its second Africa Cup of Nations title.
- Managed the Super Eagles from 1989 to 1994.
- Coached Nigeria at its first FIFA World Cup.
Where is Clemens Westerhof Now?
Clemens Westerhof has remained out of full-time professional coaching. He has continued to comment on Nigerian football and the Super Eagles through media interviews and football-related engagements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clemens Westerhof
How old is Clemens Westerhof?
Clemens Westerhof was born on 3 May 1940. As of 2026, he is 86 years old.
Who is Clemens Westerhof’s wife?
Clemens Westerhof was previously married to Tendayi Westerhof.
Does Clemens Westerhof have a daughter?
Yes. He has a daughter named Aaliyah Nyashadzashe Westerhof.
Which clubs and countries did Clemens Westerhof coach?
Clemens Westerhof coached Nigeria and Zimbabwe at international level. He also managed Vitesse Arnhem, MVV Maastricht, Mamelodi Sundowns, Dynamos Harare and Bush Bucks.
What did Clemens Westerhof win with Nigeria?
Clemens Westerhof won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria. He also qualified the Super Eagles for their first FIFA World Cup in 1994.
