National Teams
AFCON 2023: Jose Peseiro concerns about negative social media on players mental health
By Monsurah Olatunji
Head coach of the national team, Jose Peseiro has expressed concern over the players’ mental health from consuming negative comments on social media.
Poor run of results, including winless outings in 2026 World Cup quailfier had put the Super Eagles under intense scrutiny ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in recent months, with Peseiro and Francis Uzoho taking most of the hit.
Nigeria are gunning for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title with their last triumph on the continental stage coming over a decade ago in 2013.
The Portuguese tactician believes players are affected by criticism from the fans online, most especially the media people, but insists that he is unbothered as he is aged and experienced enough to handle such rage.
“Some of the comments on social networks even sometimes touch me, but with my age and experience, I do not care. A lot of bad news comes from the media about me, but I never answer,” Peseiro told media.
“But the players care, and sometimes it can touch their mental health. They are your boys. There is a responsibility on the media because you can create problems for those boys.
“They are strong, yes, but not for bad things said about them by the media or social media.”
