Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-01 18:54:52
Jose Peseiro, the 63-year-old Portuguese coach, made the announcement that he would be stepping down as the coach of Nigeria on Friday. His decision came after leading the Super Eagles to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations last month. Despite meeting the target set for him by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) by guiding the team to the semifinals, Peseiro decided it was time to move on.
In a statement, Peseiro expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with Nigeria over the past two years. He mentioned that it was a great privilege to work with the country and that he and his staff will miss the officials and players they have worked with during their time with the team.
During his tenure as coach, Peseiro helped Nigeria qualify for the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which took place in Ivory Coast last month. Despite critics questioning his defensive tactics, the team managed to reach the final, exceeding most expectations. After the tournament, Peseiro’s contract with the NFF expired, and he revealed that he has received several other coaching offers following Nigeria’s loss to Ivory Coast in the final.
Peseiro’s departure will leave a void in the Nigeria national team coaching position, leading to a potential lengthy search for a replacement. There have been suggestions for the NFF to consider hiring a local coach due to financial constraints. Peseiro’s extended contract only covered the Africa Cup of Nations, and although he was offered a new deal with the same monthly salary of $50,000, he decided it was time to explore other opportunities.
With a wealth of experience managing teams such as Real Madrid, Sporting Lisbon, and FC Porto, Peseiro has built a strong resume in the world of football. He has also coached national teams like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, as well as clubs in various countries including Greece, Romania, and Egypt.
As Peseiro bids farewell to Nigeria, the NFF will begin the search for a new coach to lead the Super Eagles into the future. Despite the challenges and criticisms he faced during his time with the team, Peseiro leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication to the sport. Nigeria will now look to chart a new course under new leadership as they continue their footballing journey.
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