Jose Peseiro has ended his tenure as the coach of the Super Eagles, departing from the role after leading the team to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they lost to Cote d’Ivoire.
Peseiro’s contract with the team expired in February, and despite reports of negotiations for renewal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), he has chosen to leave the post.
In a statement shared on his X account, Peseiro expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach the Super Eagles, citing 22 months of dedication, sacrifice, and enthusiasm. He thanked the NFF officials, players, and staff for their support during his tenure.
“Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF. It was a pride and honor to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfillment,” he wrote on his X account Friday afternoon.
“We would like to express our gratitude to Sir Amaju Pinnick (the president who signed us), President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF, all the Staff, and especially all the PLAYERS, with whom leading has been a great pleasure.
“Guys, we are thankful; it has been a privilege to be part of this family. We will miss you, but we will always be there for you, no matter where you are. A big hug to all of you.”
Peseiro took charge of the Super Eagles in May 2022 following their failure to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar. He succeeded Augustine “Cerezo” Equavoen and led the team through the AFCON tournament.
Following Nigeria’s defeat in the AFCON final, Peseiro revealed he had received several offers. His departure signals the beginning of a search for a replacement, with increasing calls for the NFF to consider hiring a local coach.
Peseiro, a former Real Madrid assistant coach, has managed national teams such as Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, along with clubs including Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, Panathinaikos, Rapid Bucharest, Al-Hilal, Al-Wahda, Al-Ahly Cairo and Sharjah FC.
His departure marks the end of a chapter in Nigerian football and sets the stage for the appointment of a new coach to guide the Super Eagles in their future endeavors.
