Sports
I would’ve left my role as Nigeria coach even if we won AFCON —Peseiro
Former Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has expressed that it was his desire to leave the role after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
Peseiro, who managed the national men’s football team for 22 months, refused to renew his contract in February 2024 as he decided not to continue with the job.
The Portuguese gaffer said he left the post because of the pressure and stress that came with the job.
He led the team to second place at the tournament, but said he still would have left the job if the Eagles had beaten Cote d’Ivoire in the final.
He said: ”I decided that when I finish the AFCON, I will leave. I had put too much effort in my job, it was too much stress.
“Everyone supported me – my family and the players but I grew fatigue, I thought it was enough for me, even if I had won the AFCON.”
Read Also: Peseiro rules out Super Eagles return
Despite the challenges he encountered while managing the Super Eagles, Peseiro told SABC Sport that the “job was special”.
”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 Cote d’Ivoire in the tournament.”
Peseiro is still without a job since leaving Nigeria, the former Venezuela coach said he is waiting for the right project.
”I am waiting for a good job, for a good step. It is true there were offers from South Africa, Europe and in Brazil as well, but I didn’t take any and feel good for those jobs.
“Someone called to tell me about the Sundowns job and about other things but until now, nothing special,”he remarked.
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