Jose Peseiro’s contract was extended to cover the delayed 2023 AFCON, with the NFF setting a target of the semifinal for him to earn a new deal.
However, he surpassed that target after he guided the team to the AFCON Final, where they lost 2-1 to hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
The 63-year-old Portuguese coach has defended his time with Nigeria, saying he has only lost twice in 15 competitive matches.
“Peseiro deserves a contract extension because he has done well,” former international Ifeanyi Udeze said speaking in favour of the Portuguese.
“Hardly anyone gave his team a chance to reach the final of the AFCON and he achieved this.”
In another case of support for the Portuguese, a fan, who goes by Oke Omurhow said;
“Now that the AFCON 2023 is finished, I genuinely hope that the NFF will retain the services of coach Jose Peseiro,”
“Over the years, we have witnessed a lack of consistency in terms of team structure and strategy, and it seems that with Peseiro, we have finally found a sense of stability.”
“His approach might seem defensive, but he has brought a much-needed foundation to the team, and it would be a step backward to let go of this valuable asset,” he continued.
“Going forward, the focus should be on building upon the existing foundation. By incorporating creative midfielders into the current squad, the Super Eagles can become a formidable force in international football.”
“This will not only enhance the team’s performance but also provide the players with the opportunity to showcase their talents on a global stage.”
“Looking ahead to the 2025 and 2026 World Cups, it is essential for the Super Eagles to have a stable and consistent coaching staff. By keeping Peseiro, we can continue to build a strong team and work towards achieving success in these upcoming tournaments.”
“Hope common sense prevails and the NFF prioritize consistency and stability by keeping the coach at the helm of the Super Eagles,” he said as he concluded.
The splendid run of the Eagles at the AFCON has shot the team to their best ranking since May 2013, when they won the AFCON that year and were ranked 28th in the world.
“Super Eagles of Nigeria are now the 3rd best in Africa and 28th in the World,” said Ibukun Aluko, a journalist.
“Jose Peseiro deserves a contract extension.”
AGAINST RENEWING THE DEAL
While many seemed to be in full support of a renewal for the Portuguese coach, others are not quite convinced about the tactics and awareness of the man Jose Mourinho suggested to the NFF for the job.
Former international star Segun ‘Mathematical’ Odegbami has advocated for the immediate departure of the 63-year-old Portuguese coach. In an interview,
“Our sights are set on bigger targets now, and we would require a new coach with confirmed technical competence and qualifications (not friendship) and higher ambitions,” he said.
“Peseiro himself knows that his relationship with Nigeria should come to an end here.”
“He shall be paid all his entitlements and properly sent forth.”
Ibrahim Akinokun argued that Nigeria should hire a coach whose style matches that of the country’s football.
“Jose Peseiro was able to achieve his best with the Super Eagles within the ambit of his technical ability,” he said.
“Going forward, we must hire a coach for the Super Eagles whose football philosophy, ethos and ideals are in congruity with the well-vaunted and acclaimed Nigerian style of play, with further tinkering, tweaking, building and advancement on this.”
“Peserio can’t help Nigeria football,” added Iyke Igbokwe, a lawyer and an administrator.
“With all due respect, he isn’t suitable for the Super Eagles and the Nigerian system of football.”
“He should go as fast as possible.”
“A Nigerian coach is best for us.”
He continued: “What’s the big deal about reaching the final and not winning the trophy?
“And must you park the bus to get to the final?
“In other AFCONS, when we got to the final, did we have to park the bus?”
“God just had mercy on us and got us to the final. Unfortunately the mercy expired in the final even when we parked the bus.”
In the coming weeks, the debate on whether or not to keep Peseiro will rage on.
Next month, the Super Eagles are slated to play a high-profile friendly against world champions, Argentina, although at this point it is yet to be confirmed.
In June, they will welcome Bafana Bafana of South Africa to Uyo before a tricky trip away to Benin Republic in continuation of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
