The future of Jose Peseiro as coach of the Super Eagles has divided opinion.
There is some support for him to continue, while some other people would prefer a new man to take charge of the Super Eagles through the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as well as the 2025 AFCON.
Peseiro’s contract was extended to cover the delayed 2023 AFCON with the NFF setting a target of semifinal for him to earn a new deal.
Honored and proud.
— Jose Peseiro (@JosePeseiro) February 13, 2024
We were received and commended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who reinforced what we already felt from the Nigerian people, participating in AFCON made the whole Nation dream, happy and united! pic.twitter.com/HrlqwyudLq
He surpassed that target after he guided the team to the AFCON Final, where they lost 2-1 to hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
The 63-year-old Portuguese coach has defended his time with Nigeria, saying he has only lost twice in 15 competitive matches.
“Peseiro deserves a contract extension because he has done well,” defended former international Ifeanyi Udeze
“Hardly anyone gave his team a chance to reach the final of the AFCON and he achieved this.”
“Now that the AFCON 2023 is finished, I genuinely hope that the NFF will retain the services of coach Jose Peseiro,” said a fan, Oke Omurhowo
“Over the years, we have witnessed a lack of consistency in terms of team structure and strategy, and it seems that with Peseiro, we have finally found a sense of stability.
“His approach might seem defensive, but he has brought a much-needed foundation to the team, and it would be a step backward to let go of this valuable asset.
“Going forward, the focus should be on building upon the existing foundation. By incorporating creative midfielders into the current squad, the Super Eagles can become a formidable force in international football.
“This will not only enhance the team’s performance but also provide the players with the opportunity to showcase their talents on a global stage.
“Looking ahead to the 2025 and 2026 World Cups, it is essential for the Super Eagles to have a stable and consistent coaching staff. By keeping Peseiro, we can continue to build a strong team and work towards achieving success in these upcoming tournaments.
“The players have shown that they are comfortable with his methods, and this level of trust and understanding is important for any team’s success.
“Hope commonsense prevails and the NFF prioritize consistency and stability by keeping the coach at the helm of the Super Eagles.”
The splendid run of the Eagles at the AFCON has shot the team to their best ranking since May 2013, when they won the AFCON of that year and were ranked 28th in the world.
“Super Eagles of Nigeria are now the 3rd best in Africa and 28th in the World, said Ibukun Aluko, a journalist.
“Jose Peseiro deserves a contract extension.”
However, another former international star Segun ‘Mathematical’ Odegbami has advocated for the immediate departure of the 63-year-old Portuguese coach.
“Our sights are set on bigger targets now, and we would require a new coach with confirmed technical competence and qualifications (not friendship) and higher ambitions,” he said.
“Paseiro himself knows that his relationship with Nigeria should come to an end here.
“He shall be paid all his entitlements and properly sent forth.”
Ibrahim Akinokun argued that Nigeria hire a coach whose style matches that of the country’s football.
“Jose Peseiro was able to achieve his best with the Super Eagles within the ambit of his technical ability,” he said.
“Going forward, we must hire a coach for the Super Eagles whose football philosophy, ethos and ideals are in congruity with the well-vaunted and acclaimed Nigerian style of play, with further tinkering, tweaking, building and advancement on this.”
“Peserio can’t help Nigeria football,” added Iyke Igbokwe, a lawyer and an administrator.
“With all due respect, he isn’t suitable for the Super Eagles and the Nigerian system of football.
“He should go as fast as possible.
“A Nigerian coach is best for us.”
He continued: “What’s the big deal about reaching the final and not winning the trophy?
“And must you park the bus to get to the final?
“In other AFCONS, when we got to the final, did we have to park the bus?
“God just had mercy on us and got us to the final. Unfortunately the mercy expired in the final even when we parked the bus.”
In the coming weeks, the debate on whether or not to keep Peseiro will rage on.
Next month, the Super Eagles are slated to play a high-profile friendly against world champions Argentina.
In June, they will welcome Bafana Bafana of South Africa to Uyo before a tricky trip away to Benin Republic in continuation of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria has good and talented players but our past coaches aren’t good enough, so Peserio should go.When these average coaches leave Super. Eagles of Nigeria they dont perform well elsewhere.Incompetent selection of players, Bad tactics, Reading of matches etc are their problems. If Nigeria Can any day get a technical
sound coach WE Can win the World cup.Rewatch the matchs between Nigeria and South Africa and that of Nigeria and Côté d’Ivoire,WE don’t have a good coach.We Nigérians living in Abidjan it’s really painful for. us