Nigeria’s coach, Jose Peseiro, confirmed on social media that he has left his job with the Nigeria Football Federation only weeks after leading the team to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. He announced the end of his contract with the NFF.”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 fulfilment. 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.” ##NAJAVA_MECA_7918688##The 63-year-old coach took Nigeria to the Cup of Nations final for the first time since 2013 but they let slip a 1-0 lead against hosts Ivory Coast to go down 2-1 in Abidjan on 11 February. He played a key role in helping the country qualify for the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which was hosted in Ivory Coast last month. Despite his defensive tactics being criticized by his detractors, he led the Super Eagles to the championship game against all odds.The Portuguese’s contract covered only the Africa Cup of Nations, and after its conclusion, officials offered him a new deal with the same monthly salary of $50,000, which he had earned after taking a pay cut last year to retain his position.OFFICIAL🚨 Jose Peseiro leaves his role as coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles. pic.twitter.com/f7TeRd6f8t— Andile Ncube (@AndileNcube) March 1, 2024 Peseiro, a well-traveled coach, has previously managed teams such as Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, and Real Madrid, as well as Saudi Arabia’s and Venezuela’s national teams. He stated that he has received several offers following Nigeria’s defeat in the final by the hosts Ivory Coast. His departure will signal the beginning of what could be a long and drawn-out search for a replacement. There are growing calls for the often cash-strapped NFF to hire a local coach who they can afford to replace him.
