The Super Eagles won two games, drew one and lost one, and finished equal with Ivory Coast on points but advanced to the World Cup with a superior goal difference.

Despite losing 2–1 to Argentina, wins over Bulgaria and Greece allowed the Super Eagles to do the unthinkable and finish top of the group, advancing to the second round.

A first-half goal by Emmanuel Amuneke gave Nigeria a 1–0 lead at half-time, and they appeared to be heading for an upset win when Roberto Baggio scored to tie the game just two minutes from the final whistle.

Despite the defeat, the Super Eagles' World Cup campaign was considered a tremendous success, and Westerhof and the players were hailed as heroes on their return to Nigeria.

Players such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Nwankwo Kanu, Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi and others, who all went on to successful careers with various high-profile European clubs, entered the world spotlight while playing under Westerhof.

Westerhof sued the South African Football Association in 2000 over an alleged breach of contract, claiming they had picked him to coach that country's national team.

She told the Financial Gazette newspaper that, "I have four children with three men... and not four" and that her ex-husband had not paid a "single cent" towards the support of their daughter, Aaliyah Nyashadzashe.

[5] In 2005, as Nigeria's national team searched for a manager to help them qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany (a campaign which ultimately failed), Westerhof was named as one of the candidates for the job.