Nigerians are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with the performance of the Super Eagles’ head coach, Jose Peseiro, as the team experiences a series of disappointing results.
Amidst a string of poor performances, there are loud calls for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to part ways with Peseiro, especially in light of the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals hosted by Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11.
While some advocate for the immediate disengagement of Peseiro, others suggest that the NFF first address internal issues before making a decision on the coach, whether that involves hiring a local coach or seeking another foreign candidate to lead the Super Eagles.
The outcry follows Nigeria’s recent 1-1 draw against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, raising concerns about the team’s performance under Peseiro’s leadership.
Peseiro’s initial contract with the NFF concluded at the end of June this year. He recently signed a new six-month contract that extends until the conclusion of the 2023 AFCON. While the Super Eagles have already secured a spot in the AFCON finals, their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are in jeopardy after accumulating only two points in matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in Group C of the qualifying series.
With South Africa potentially opening up a 4-point lead in the group, discontent among Nigerian football enthusiasts continues to grow. Prior to the recent matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, the Super Eagles, under the guidance of Peseiro since his appointment on May 15, 2022, had lost eight games and won six.
