Afcon 2023: Jose Mourinho backs Jose Peseiro to make Portuguese history

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Former Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho has backed his compatriot and namesake Jose Peseiro to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on Sunday.

The Portuguese coach remained the only undefeated coach at the tournament ahead of the final match with hosts, Cote D’Ivoire at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, Ebimpe, Abidjan.

The Super Eagles head coach warded off pre-tournament criticism to put up a squad that has scored seven goals and conceded two after six games at AFCON 2023.

Mourinho who is the only coach to have won all available European club titles believes Peseiro can become the first Portuguese coach win the Africa Cup of Nations.

“My best friend in football is in the final. The Nigerian coach is my best friend,” Mourinho told football.com

“He worked with me. We studied together at the university the same day. We spent five years together every day.
We left at the same time.

“Probably my biggest friend in football. Jose Peseiro, my big friend. Giving him a huge opportunity to make history because there has never been a Portuguese coach that has won the Africa Cup of Nations.” He concluded.

Nigeria has won two of their three AFCON titles with foreign coaches.

Oto Gloria won the first in 1980 while Clemens Westerhof led the team to the 1994 title.

The only Nigerian coach to have won the title with the Super Eagles was late Stephen Keshi who led the side to the trophy in 2013.