Peseiro’s disappointing reign: Ex-Super Eagles ace drops bombshell, demands NFF’s swift action

The Portuguese manager has not impressed many despite his consistent calls that he is aiming to mould the national team into an attacking outfit

Former Nigeria international left-back, Ifeanyi Udeze, has urged the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to part ways with Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, as his current contract approaches its expiration in June.

Udeze’s call comes from the Super Eagles’ recent lackluster performances under the Portuguese tactician.

Since Peseiro took the reins in May 2022, the Super Eagles have experienced a decline in their form, winning only four out of eleven matches and losing the other seven.

During this period, the team scored 17 goals while conceding an alarming 16. Notably, Nigeria suffered an unexpected 1-0 defeat on home soil to Guinea-Bissau, a team ranked 118th in the world, during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The overall performance record of Peseiro with the Super Eagles has raised concerns, prompting Udeze to advocate for a new coach rather than extend the Portuguese manager’s contract.

Udeze emphasized that Peseiro had failed to deliver on the promises made at the beginning of his tenure, and the team’s results reflect poorly on his leadership.

Moreover, Udeze expressed doubts about the NFF’s financial capability to renew Peseiro’s contract or hire another foreign coach, highlighting a potential financial constraint. However, he acknowledged that the final decision rests with the NFF, urging them to carefully consider the team’s recent performances before making a decision.

What was said?

“I think the NFF should go for a new coach instead of renewing Peseiro’s contract,” Udeze said on Brila FM, as monitored by Soccernet.ng.

“When you come to coach a team like the Eagles, and from the first day, you are giving us the impression that you will win the Nations Cup and also qualify us for the World Cup, but things aren’t looking that good, it seems somehow to me.

“I don’t even think NFF has the money to renew Peseiro’s contract or employ any other foreign coach, and that is a big issue.

“I also don’t think the money is there to do all that for now, but we will see how it goes, and the ball is in their court. But let’s just sit and watch for now to see what they are going to do, but renewing Peseiro’s contract should be out of it.”

Despite the Super Eagles’ dwindling fortunes under Peseiro, the team is on course to book a ticket to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.