Super Eagles coaching role: Sports Ministry debunk advanced talks to return Jose Peseiro

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Ministry of Sports has debunked reports making the round that the Minister is in talks to ensure the return of the former coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, Jose Peseiro.

After leading Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Jose Peseiro’s contract wasn’t extended by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

This has led to a search for his successor and different names have emerged to take charge of the three-time African champions.

In a release by the Senior Assistant (SA) Media to the Honorable Minister of Sports Development, Diana Mary Nsa, the news of the Minister in talks to ensure Peseiro’s return was debunked.

“We have been made aware of some news circulating in certain media channels about the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, supposedly in advanced talks with Jose Peseiro for a potential return as coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. We want to clarify that this news is entirely false and has been fabricated to create sensation,” The release read.

“The Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, does not interfere or influence critical decisions of the federation, particularly in this case, the NFF. He operates with utmost decorum and and ensures that the federations meet the required expectations and standards in the discharge of their duties.

“The Honourable Minister of Sports is committed to ensuring that the sports sector in Nigeria achieves monumental success under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Therefore, we urge Nigerians who love sports, critical stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and disregard this false news.” It concluded.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Benin Republic and South Africa fast approaching, the NFF is expected to announce the name of the Super Eagles new coach.

Emmanuel Amuneke and Finidi George were touted to be front runners for the top job.