In a heartfelt statement, Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro, expresses his gratitude and reflects on his tenure with the Super Eagles as he announces his departure at the end of his contract. The Portuguese coach led his side to an impressive run in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final last month, where they narrowly lost to hosts Ivory Coast.
Peseiro describes his time with the Super Eagles as a privilege and an honour, thanking the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and his players for their support, dedication, and hard work. In a message posted on X, he writes, “It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfilment.” Peseiro concludes with a heartfelt goodbye, offering “a big hug to all.”
The 63-year-old coach, who previously managed clubs such as Porto and Al Ahly and had spells in charge of Venezuela and Saudi Arabia, was named Nigeria’s head coach in September 2021. However, due to a contractual disagreement, he didn’t formally take charge until May 2022. Throughout his tenure, Peseiro encountered challenges surrounding his salary, culminating in him agreeing to a pay cut in September last year to continue leading the Super Eagles into the Nations Cup.
Peseiro’s departure was anticipated, as the NFF has openly acknowledged its financial challenges. With Nigeria’s disappointing start to their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, finding a suitable replacement for Peseiro will be the federation’s primary concern. The NFF will be keen to appoint a new head coach who can invigorate the team and guide them towards success in future tournaments.
The Super Eagles’ journey under Peseiro’s leadership left a lasting impression. Despite the team falling short in the Afcon final, their performance demonstrated resilience, skill, and a promising future. Now, the focus shifts to securing a new coach who can build on the progress made and lead the team to new heights.
The Nigerian Football Federation will be mindful of selecting a coach with a proven track record and substantial experience in managing international teams. The goal will be to find a leader who can harness the potential of Nigeria’s talented pool of players and guide them through the challenging World Cup qualifying campaign.
Peseiro’s legacy with the Super Eagles will be remembered fondly, as he leaves behind a team that has shown remarkable growth and determination. His departure serves as an opportunity for Nigerian football to reflect on the progress made under his guidance and to work towards embracing fresh ideas and strategies.
As the NFF begins the search for a new head coach, Nigerian sports enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of who will take charge of the Super Eagles. The upcoming chapters in Nigerian football hold much promise, and the aspirations of a nation lie in the hands of the next coach to lead the team.
In bidding adieu to Nigeria’s national team, Peseiro parts ways with a sense of accomplishment and the conviction that the Super Eagles will continue to soar to greater heights in future tournaments.
