By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-25 04:10:21
Super Eagles Coach, Jose Peseiro, recently made headlines after revealing that he turned down a contract renewal proposed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Peseiro explained that he wanted to wait until after the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to make a decision about his future with the team. This announcement came after Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Guinea Bissau, which secured their spot in the second round of the tournament where they will face Cameroon on Saturday.
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, had previously stated that the federation would decide Peseiro’s fate after the championship and that the Portuguese coach would need to meet certain conditions before being offered a new deal. Meanwhile, Peseiro addressed the numerous misleading stories circulating about his time with the Nigerian team, indicating that these stories have been exaggerated by the European media.
Regarding his contract situation, Peseiro clarified that he had been offered a renewal but chose not to accept it. His current contract, which saw his salary reduced from $70,000 to $50,000, is set to expire after the AFCON. Despite this uncertainty, Peseiro voiced his confidence in the team and singled out striker Victor Osimhen as a key player, predicting that Osimhen would make a significant impact in the upcoming match against Cameroon.
Osimhen, who has faced criticism for missing scoring opportunities during Nigeria’s group stage matches at the AFCON, was backed by Peseiro. The coach emphasized Osimhen’s importance to the team and expressed optimism that the striker would deliver in the crucial match against Cameroon. Peseiro also highlighted the challenges of the tournament and expressed his belief that Nigeria would come out on top against Equatorial Guinea in their next encounter. Overall, Peseiro’s comments reflected his unwavering commitment to the Super Eagles and his determination to lead them to success in the AFCON.
Read the original article on The Guardian
