An unnamed board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has hinted that the Nigeria football governing body has decided on the continuity of José Peseiro as the coach of the Nigeria Super Eagles.
The Portuguese manager signed a one-year deal with the NFF in 2021 and commenced his tenure in May 2022. It culminated with the win against Sierra Leone on 18 June 2023, which sealed AFCON 2023 qualification for Nigeria.
His continuity has been debated in the Nigeria football news scene but information indicates that he is now set to sign an extension with the tournament in mind.
Peseiro stays until after AFCON 2023, NFF source reveals
After his appointment following Nigeria's unfortunate exit from the 2021 AFCON tournament in Cameroon, the former Venezuela national team manager set to studying the Nigeria national football team.
He successfully brought a talented squad together and won his first game in charge by 10 goals to nothing versus Sao Tome and Principe, the biggest margin in Super Eagles' history.
Many believed it was the start of something great but the team's performances in the following games did nothing to inspire that confidence. The Super Eagles lost a number of friendlies but qualified for the AFCON tournament.
Peseiro finished his contract with four wins and six losses. However, the former Sporting CP manager delivered on his mandate to take Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast next January and the NFF have decided to reward him with an extension.
Speaking with local media, the NFF board member said that Peseiro will lead the three-time AFCON winners to Ivory Coast and if he gets to the semi-finals, will sign another extension to guide Nigeria through the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
“Peseiro has done well,” NFF chief insists
The NFF chief, who remains unnamed, also insisted that Peseiro has done well.
“When the AFCON was moved to next year (2024), Peseiro's brief was to ensure that the team made it to the AFCON and he will get a renewal,” he said. “That he did with a game to spare.”
“Now, at the AFCON, the target is for him to get to at least the semi-final. If that happens, he will be around for the World Cup qualifiers.
“Results haven't gone out way in some of the games we played, particularly in the friendly games, to be honest,” he added.
“We played some of the best teams in the world and Africa. Aside from the shock loss to Guinea-Bissau which we avenged by winning away, Peseiro has done relatively well. We can't change him for the sake of it.”
He also talked down on the Nigeria football media suggestions that a local coach should get the nod ahead of Peseiro, stating that none of them is fit to lace the Portuguese's shoes.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
