Jose Peseiro Leaves When the Ovation Is Loud - After Assessing Nigeria and Other Offers

  

Portuguese manager, Jose Peseiro, has confirmed his exit as coach of the Super Eagles after his contract officially expired on Thursday.

Peseiro who guided the Eagles to a second-place finish at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, on Friday, said he was fulfilled coaching the Nigeria national team

“Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF. It was a pride and honour to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfillment.

“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.

Despite qualifying the team for Ivory Coast, the Portuguese’ future was uncertain after starting the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

The 63-year-old however penned a six-month contract till the end of AFCON with a key clause of reaching the showpiece semi-finals. He surpassed the target losing 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.

Talks of a new contract by the Nigeria Football Federation were said to be in the works though Peseiro admitted he had interests from seven national teams. One of the teams touted to be interested in the Portuguese, Algeria on Thursday announced Bosnian, Vladimir Petkovic as head coach.

Since his appointment, Peseiro took charge of 22 games, winning 11, losing seven and recording four draws.

The NFF will now have to name a replacement before the next international free window on March 18.