Third-best team in Africa: Jose Peseiro set new target for Nigeria’s Super Eagles

The Portuguese tactician has given the clearest hint yet that he wants to continue to handle the three-time AFCON winners

Jose Peseiro has reacted to the latest FIFA rankings, which saw Nigeria rise significantly following an impressive outing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, on Thursday (today, February 15th) released the first rankings for 2024, a few days after the conclusion of the AFCON.

The Super Eagles experienced one of the highest movements of the month, rising 14 places to vacate their previous 42nd position to now sit as the 28th-best footballing nation in the world.

Even more impressively, the Nigerian national team moved from number six to three in Africa, with only Morocco and Senegal ahead of the Super Eagles.

It is Nigeria’s highest ranking since the country won the AFCON in 2013, and the rise can be linked to the Super Eagles’ impressive showing at this year’s edition of the continental championship.

Under the guidance of Peseiro, Nigeria reached the final of the AFCON against all odds before losing 2-1 to hosts Cote d’Ivoire in a pulsating final played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday.

Despite being pleased with Nigeria’s new rating as the third-best nation in Africa, Peseiro appears not to be satisfied just yet.

The Portuguese tactician took to his Twitter handle to reveal his target for Nigeria: to get the Super Eagles to number one on the continent.

Peseiro wants to continue as the Eagles’ coach?

Peseiro’s post on Twitter is the clearest indication yet that the former Porto boss desires to retain his job as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

Peseiro’s contract technically expired after the AFCON, but the Portuguese coach hit the semifinal target the Nigeria Football Federation set for him.

The former Real Madrid assistant coach was in Abuja on Tuesday, where he was honoured by Nigeria’s President alongside his team.

However, reports surfaced shortly after that Peseiro is in contact with the Algerian Football Federation, which wants him to become the new manager of the Desert Warriors.

The NFF is yet to announce any decision on Peseiro’s situation. 

Peseiro took charge of the Super Eagles in May 2022 and has since won ten of 22 games, losing seven others.