Why Pitso Mosimane Is the Perfect Replacement for Jose Peseiro As Super Eagles Coach

• Nigeria is currently in search of a new manager after the departure of Jose Peseiro
• The ex-Porto coach failed to reach an agreement with NFF to extend his contract
• Sports Brief has highlighted the reasons Pitso Mosimane is his perfect replacement

The Super Eagles of Nigeria currently need a permanent coach after the departure of Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro a few days ago.

The former FC Porto coach decided not to continue as the Nigerian national team coach after failing to reach an agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on a contract extension.

Peseiro led Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast but lost 2-1 against the host nation to finish second.

Many thought he would continue as the Super Eagles coach due to the team's performance at the competition, but the former Saudi Arabian national team manager released an official statement on Friday (March 1) to confirm that he's leaving the post after 22 months in charge.

Super Eagles coach picks Nigeria’s toughest AFCON match after final with Ivory Coast

Football

Several local coaches and former Super Eagles players have been linked with the vacant role. However, Augustine Eguavoen was announced as the interim coach for the team, with the permanent replacement for the Portuguese manager still up for grabs.

As NFF's search for a new permanent coach for the Super Eagles continues, Sports Brief highlights why South African tactician Pitso Mosimane is the perfect replacement for Peseiro.

Why Mosimane is perfect replacement for Peseiro

1. Success in African football

Mosimane is one of the most successful coaches in African football. The former Al-Ahli coach's success cuts across his time with Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly, and Supersport United.

The South African manager has won five league titles and three CAF Champions League trophies. He was named the CAF Coach of the Year in 2016.

The 59-year-old was the first non-Egyptian African to manage Al Ahly and won four trophies with the club in two years.

AFCON Winners: Keshi, Barker, Fae, and the 12 coaches basking in glory

Football

Pitso is one of the African coaches managing a team outside the continent, and his recent success was winning the Saudi First Division League with Al-Ahli, leading to the Saudi Professional League.

2. Experience in African football

Mosimane spent most of his coaching career in Africa and understood the rudiments of managing an African side and the type of football played on the continent.

The former Sundowns coach managed his country's national team on two occasions (2006 and 2010) before returning to club football.

Super Eagles legend, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, also backed the South African for the Nigerian job due to his track record.

3. Experience in managing top players

The South African coach has experience in managing top players. He had previously worked with players like Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar, Percy Tau, Ryad Boudebouz, Mohamed El Shenawy, and Themba Zwane.

Mosimane is also well-informed about Nigerian players and has shown interest in managing the team if given the opportunity.

Troost Ekong backs Jose Peseiro to continue as Super Eagles coach

Football

4. Tactical prowess

One major factor distinguishing Mosimane from other African coaches is his tactical prowess.

He is known for his 4-2-3-1 shape during his time with Al Ahly, and he also sometimes set up his team in a 4-3-3 shape.

Mosimane sets up his team to be very compact, both vertically and horizontally, and he likes to defend high up the pitch to deny the opposition much space to play out from the back or play short passes.

The South African was once hailed by Super Eagles legend, Sunday Oliseh, for his tactical ability during the FIFA World Club Cup game against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, according to GOAL.

How Kaizer Chiefs could land Mosimane

Sports Brief earlier reported that Mosimane remains a Kaizer Chiefs target despite his deal with Saudi side Abha Club.

The Amakhosi have yet to appoint a permanent manager, as Cavin Johnson is serving in an interim capacity.