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By: Abiodun Adewale
Out of contract coach, Jose Peseiro, has urged fans to keep supporting the Super Eagles players in their subsequent national assignments, almost one week after his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation ended.
After about two years in charge of the men’s senior national team, Peseiro bid farewell to Nigerians last Friday. He guided the Eagles to a second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
While he has admitted receiving other offers, the Portuguese coach still has some messages for Nigerians as the players regroup for the FIFA break later this month, while the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers resume in June.
“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,” Peseiro wrote via X on Wednesday.
“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.”
The 63-year-old was almost out of the job in 2023 but he was handed a six-month contract extension, which included a pay-cut and a mandate to reach at least the semi-finals of the 2023 AFCON.
Although he hardly got the vote of confidence from Nigerians and administrators before his contract extension, the Portuguese made most of his last six months in charge and reached the final of the AFCON, which the country lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast.
The performance helped Peseiro stay in contention for a contract renewal until he announced his exit last week, with the NFF are expected to make an official statement soon about the status of the team’s leadership.