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By Ebenezer Bajela
A few hours after Italian giants, AS Roma, announced the sacking of Jose Peseiro, several Nigerians took to social media to call on the Nigeria Football Federation to sign the Portuguese gaffer for the country’s senior men’s national team, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Mourinho was sacked by the Serie A side after nearly three years in charge at the Stadio Olimpico.
The 60-year-old took on the role in May 2021, less than one month after being dismissed from his role at Tottenham Hotspur, and went on to lead his side to the Europa Conference League title in 2022 and the Europa League final in 2023.
However, sitting five points off the Champions League qualifying spots in the Serie A this season proved enough for the club to part ways with the ‘Special One.’
Mourinho’s contract at Roma had been due to expire at the end of the current campaign and was reported to have asked for a new deal. With Roma terminating the contract before its expiration, it means the Giallorossi will pay the former Chelsea manager the sum of £3m.
The Portuguese, who had been sacked five times before his latest dismissal, is believed to have earned around £80m just from being laid off by clubs in his career.
Chelsea have paid him more than £26m alone, with Mourinho having pocketed £18m when he was sacked at Stamford Bridge in 2007 and £8.3m following his second dismissal in 2015.
He was also given a £17m pay-off by Real Madrid and nearly £20m by Manchester United when he was sacked in December 2018 — just months after he had signed a new two-year contract through to 2020.
An ill-fated 17-month stint at Tottenham also ended with a dismissal and a healthy £15m in compensation. He had another two years to run on his deal at Spurs when he was shown the door.
Despite the staggering figures attracted by the ‘Special One’, some Nigeria football faithful are calling on the Ibrahim Gusua-led NFF board to hire the Portuguese.
Adeola Omole said, “What is the NFF waiting for after AFCON? Get the real José.”
Meanwhile, Olawale Babatunde believes Mourinho should be appointed immediately.
“Let him come and take over from his protege and namesake, Jose Peiserinho, that he recommended for (Amaju) Pinnick and the NFF to coach the Super Eagles. Even if it is a short-term contract.”
Titan Chinakwe added, “Just for one month, let him add AFCON to his cabinet.”
Solomon David tweeted, “Mourinho needs time off from all the pressure in Europe and I think now is the best time for the NFF to go for him instead of the other Jose that we have as coach.”
Mazi opined that Mourinho should take over the Eagles’ job rather than recommend.
“He shouldn’t recommend for us again because we know the outcome of his recommendation. Now that he is available he should actually come and take over the Eagles job if he truly has our best interest at heart.”
Anthony Ade added, “He may be on this way to Ivory Coast to assist his friend Peseiro.”
NotThe RealMikel simply wrote, “Nigeria should now go for Mourinho.”
The Super Eagles are in Ivory Coast battling to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the fourth time.