As the countdown to the AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) finals intensifies, all eyes are on José Peseiro, the head coach of the Nigeria Super Eagles.
Peseiro steps into the limelight, entrusted with the responsibility of leading one of Africa's footballing giants to glory. But there's much more to this Portuguese tactician than meets the eye.
In this article, we delve into the unbelievable and fascinating facts that surround José Peseiro's journey, offering a glimpse into the man who will guide the Super Eagles in their quest for continental supremacy.
Jose Peseiro: A career encompassing three decades of experience
Born on 4 April 1960, José Vítor dos Santos Peseiro is a Portuguese football manager with a career that spans almost three decades.
He may not have enjoyed a highly successful career as a footballer, but he found his true calling on the sidelines. Peseiro began his managerial journey in 1992 with UD Santarem in Portugal.
Over the years, he has coached some of the biggest names in European and Arab football, including Sporting Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Real Madrid (as an assistant coach), Al Ahly, Al Hilal, Al-Wahda FC, and Sharjah FC.
Peseiro also took charge of the Saudi Arabian national team from February 2009 to January 2011. His most recent appointment prior to the Super Eagles was with the Venezuelan national team in 2020, bringing his total number of teams coached to an impressive 18.
Familiar with African football
For Nigerian football enthusiasts, there's a reassuring fact about José Peseiro – he's not a stranger to African football.
Peseiro coached Egyptian powerhouse Al-Ahly between 2015 and 2016 and achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Egyptian League title during his short stint there.
Jose Peseiro: The first Portuguese coach for the Super Eagles
BREAKING: Jose Peseiro signs new Nigeria contract 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/IkU4TcQBy2
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) September 3, 2023
The Super Eagles have a history of foreign managers, with notable names like Clemens Westerhof, Bonfrere Jo, Berti Vogts, and Gernot Rohr having led the team.
However, none of them were Portuguese until José Peseiro's appointment. Peseiro's arrival was reportedly recommended by none other than the legendary José Mourinho.
Jose Peseiro's honors
José Peseiro may not have consistently enjoyed successful stints at every club he managed, but he has left his mark in terms of honors won. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Nacional: Segunda Divisão in 1999-00
- Sporting CP: UEFA Cup runner-up in 2004-05
- Braga: Taça da Liga in 2012-13
- Al Ahly: Egyptian Premier League in 2015-16
- Porto: Taça de Portugal runner-up in 2015-16
These honors demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level and his potential to lead the Super Eagles to success in AFCON.
A mix of triumphs and trials
While José Peseiro's extensive coaching career has seen him claim silverware, it's important to note that his journey has not always been smooth.
From Panathinaikos to FC Porto to Braga and even Saudi Arabia, Peseiro has often faced challenges that resulted in less-than-ideal outcomes.
However, it's worth acknowledging his ability to bounce back and secure victories, with the most recent being the league title with Al-Ahly.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
