Former Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has shed light on his decision to step down as Nigeria’s national team coach, despite leading the team to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In an interview at the CAF AFCON 2023 Coaches Symposium in Abidjan, Peseiro revealed that his departure was a decision made before the tournament began.
“I don’t know; I think it was a moment I liked, but I decided when I started the AFCON that when I finished my contract, I would leave. I made that decision at that moment,” Peseiro explained.
The Portuguese tactician, who guided Nigeria to a second-place finish in the AFCON, admitted that while he would have loved to secure a trophy for Nigeria, he felt he had reached his limit in the role.
“Because I put too much effort into my job – too much stress. Okay, but I gave my all, along with my staff and the players. The players were the best part, but I think it was enough,” Peseiro stated.
Peseiro’s tenure with the Super Eagles was marked by both challenges and triumphs. Initially facing criticism after two losses at the start of his reign, he managed to turn things around, leading Nigeria on an unbeaten run until the AFCON final.
Under his guidance, the team conceded only four goals throughout the tournament.
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Reflecting on his time with the Eagles, Peseiro expressed gratitude to Nigerian football fans and the government.
He praised the team’s performance, saying, “Nigeria has done an amazing job so far, with good players, good deals, good goals, and a good team. We played very well until the final. I think until the final, our team was the best in the AFCON. Only in the final did Côte d’Ivoire perform better than us.”
During his 22-game stint with the Super Eagles, Peseiro achieved 11 wins, 7 losses, and 4 draws.
This marked a significant improvement from his previous role with Venezuela, where he struggled with 6 losses out of 10 games.
