Jose Peseiro has encouraged Nigerians to maintain their backing for the Super Eagles despite the heartbreaking loss to hosts Côte d’Ivoire at the AFCON 2023 in January.
Peseiro revealed his choice to resign from his position as coach of Nigeria in the beginning of last month.
The 63-year-old Portuguese coach achieved the goal of leading the Super Eagles to the tournament’s semifinals, as outlined by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), yet decided to pursue other opportunities.
‘On Thursday, the Portuguese wrote a farewell message to Nigerians on his X handle stating, ‘I want to thank all Nigerians and the entire press for the interest, support, and encouragement given to the Super Eagles while I was their coach.”
”I would like to ask all of you to always support your players.”
”These athletes give their all for the Super Eagles, taking pride in representing their country. The players make sacrifices to bring you joy.”
”The Super Eagles deserve all your support, which will be very important for the great challenges that lie ahead.”
Peseiro took on the role of Nigeria coach in May 2022, despite doubts surrounding his ability to succeed given his prior track record.
He played a key role in securing the country’s qualification for the postponed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which took place in Ivory Coast last month, where the Super Eagles reached the final.
Despite reaching the final, his defensive strategies faced criticism from some quarters, despite surpassing most expectations by reaching the championship match.
His contract extension was solely for the duration of the Africa Cup of Nations. Following the tournament, officials revealed that he was offered a new contract with the same monthly salary of $50,000, which he had accepted after taking a pay cut the previous year to retain his position.
Peseiro, who has extensive coaching experience having worked with Real Madrid as an assistant coach and managed teams such as Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, Panathinaikos, Rapid Bucharest, Al-Hilal, Al-Wahda, Al-Ahly Cairo, and Sharjah FC, has indicated receiving numerous offers after Nigeria’s loss in the final against hosts Ivory Coast.
His departure marks the beginning of what could potentially be an extensive search for a replacement. There are increasing calls for the financially constrained NFF to consider hiring a local coach who is within their budget.
I want to thank all Nigerians and the entire press for the interest, support, and encouragement given to the Super Eagles while I was their coach.
I would like to ask all of you to always support your players. pic.twitter.com/HHbOh6D1g3— Jose Peseiro (@JosePeseiro) March 6, 2024