Jose Peseiro has walked out from the Super Eagles job after guiding the three-time African Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners to a silver podium at the just-concluded biennial competition in Cote D'Ivoire.
The Portuguese tactician, employed by the former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) administration two years ago, has announced his decision to discontinue the job.
Jose Peseiro sent a goodbye message to the Nigeria Football Federation and the Super Eagles following the expiration of his contract.
Peseiro took charge of the Super Eagles job in May 2022 after coach Augustine Eguavoen failed to secure the World Cup ticket.
Peseiro had previously managed the national team of Venezuela, and doubts were cast on his ability due to his average record.
The fears were exacerbated after he lost his first two games in charge. However, the Portuguese tactician bounced back, winning against Sierra Leone in his third game and demolishing Sao Tome and Principe 10-0.
However, after those wins, the Super Eagles still had some underwhelming performances in the run-up to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Initially, Peseiro’s contract expired in July last year, but he signed a six-month extension to stay in charge until the end of the AFCON.
There were doubts about the team before the AFCON due to unimpressive results, but they performed above expectations and finished second after losing 2-1 to Cote d’Ivoire.
Since the end of the tournament, talks about Peseiro’s future emerged, as his contract was supposed to expire at the end of February.
There were links to the Algerian job. However, those talks were put to bed two days ago when the Algerian Federation announced the appointment of Vladimir Petkovic.
There were also speculations that the NFF had offered Peseiro a new deal, but nothing concrete came from it.
In a new development, Peseiro took to social media to send a goodbye message to the Super Eagles and the NFF on Friday.
“Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF. It was a pride and honour to coach the Super Eagles,” Peseiro wrote.
“It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfilment.
“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.
The NFF is yet to release a statement on the Super Eagles’ coaching position, but it is unlikely that Peseiro will sign a new deal with the NFF.
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