Jose Peseiro has left his role as the coach of the Super Eagles after taking the team to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The team lost to Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the competition. His contract with the team expired in February and he was supposed to continue with the team after meeting his semi-final target.
Although there were reports that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was negotiating with the Portuguese to renew his contract, Peseiro is leaving the post.
“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’s latest move comes 22 months after he took charge of the three-time African champions.
He was appointed in May 2022 after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar. The Portuguese took over from Augustine “Cerezo” Equavoen.
Peseiro has said he has received several offers after Nigeria were beaten in the AFCON final.
His departure will signal what could be a long-drawn search for a replacement with growing calls for the NFF to hire a local coach in his place.
Peseiro, a former Real Madrid assistant coach, previously managed Saudi Arabia and Venezuela and clubs including Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, Panathinaikos, Rapid Bucharest, Al-Hilal, Al-Wahda, Al-Ahly Cairo and Sharjah FC.
