Jose Peseiro reveals reason for leaving Super Eagles job

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Former Nigeria senior men’s national team coach, Jose Peseiro, has explained that the intense pressure associated with managing the Super Eagles led to his decision to step down following the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

Peseiro made these comments during a coaching symposium organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Côte d’Ivoire, where he reviewed the recent AFCON tournament.

Peseiro, who chose not to renew his contract regardless of the tournament’s outcome, cited fatigue and stress as his primary reasons for leaving.

“I decided that when I finish the AFCON, I will leave. I had put too much effort into my job; it was too much stress. Everyone supported me—my family and the players—but I grew fatigued. I thought it was enough for me, even if I had won the AFCON,” Peseiro told SABC Sports.

Peseiro, whose extensive coaching career includes stints with the Saudi Arabian national team, African giants Al Ahly, Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, Venezuela, and Panathinaikos, described his time with Nigeria as particularly special.

Despite the challenges, he praised the quality of the players and the team’s performance in the tournament.

“Nigeria was an amazing job, with good players. We played very well in the AFCON. I think our team was the best until we lost to Côte d’Ivoire in the tournament,” he added.

Additionally, Peseiro revealed that he had been linked to various coaching positions, including a potential role with Kaizer Chiefs before they appointed Nasreddine Nabi, and had received an approach from Mamelodi Sundowns through third parties. Despite these offers, he has not committed to any new positions yet.

“I am waiting for a good job, for a good step. It is true there were offers from South Africa, Europe, and Brazil as well, but I didn’t take any and felt no strong connection to those jobs. Someone called to tell me about the Sundowns job and other opportunities, but until now, nothing special,” Peseiro said.