Super Eagles: Pitso Mosimane and Other Foreign Coaches Who Could Replace Jose Peseiro at Nigeria

• Jose Peseiro’s contract with Nigeria's national team expired at the end of the AFCON
• A number of foreign managers could be considered to replace the Portuguese coach
• Sports Brief has looked at three outside managers who could lead the Super Eagles

The sterling performance showcased by the Super Eagles during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast ignited discussions regarding the future of coach, Jose Peseiro.

Opinions among stakeholders of Nigerian football varied.

While many were impressed by the manager's success at the tournament, others raised concerns about his defensive tactics after the Super Eagles lost in the final against the host nation.

As talk about Peseiro's future with the national team swirled, the Portuguese tactician announced via social media that he would be stepping down from his role at the conclusion of his current contract.

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This unexpected announcement from the 63-year-old has set off a chain reaction, with several top-tier managers being linked to the possibility of taking over the reins of the Nigerian team.

Sports Brief examines three foreign managers who are considered frontrunners to assume the role of Super Eagles coach.

Foreign managers who could replace Peseiro

Laurent Blanc

The former French defender, who enjoyed remarkable success during his playing career, has seamlessly transitioned into coaching.

Since entering the coaching realm with Bordeaux in 2007, the 58-year-old has achieved significant success, including winning the French Ligue 1 in his second season at the club, among other titles.

His most successful coaching stint came at Paris Saint-Germain, where he accumulated 11 titles during his three seasons with the club.

Blanc also made a mark on the international stage, guiding France to the quarter-finals of the 2012 Euro. His interest in coaching the Nigerian national team became apparent when he applied to replace Peseiro after the expiration of his initial contract in May 2023.

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With Blanc currently available and the Nigerian team in search of a manager capable of delivering immediate success, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may find the prospect of hiring the highly experienced Frenchman enticing.

Djamel Belmadi

The 47-year-old is another viable candidate for the NFF to consider in replacing the departing Peseiro. Despite not having the most successful campaign at the AFCON in Ivory Coast, the former Algeria manager undeniably has the ability to lead a team to glory, as he demonstrated with the Desert Foxes at the 2019 edition of the tournament.

Belmadi presents a more cost-effective option for the NFF, and given his wealth of experience in African football, his appointment could be seen as a masterstroke for the highly talented Nigerian team.

Pitso Mosimane

The 59-year-old has never hidden his admiration for the Nigerian team. The current manager of Abha Club was previously linked with the role of coaching the Super Eagles amid the contract dispute between the NFF and Peseiro.

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With a track record of immense success on the African football scene, including stints with Egyptian giants, Al Ahly, and DSTV Premiership giants, Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African manager has proven his capabilities.

Although Mosimane's tenure with Bafana Bafana didn't yield the desired results, many believe the seasoned manager deserves another opportunity to lead a national team on the African continent. And what better place to begin anew than with the Super Eagles?

Nigerian coaches to replace Peseiro

In another report, Sports Brief highlighted a list of Nigerian coaches that could replace Peseiro.

Among them was Emmanuel Amunike, along with several other tactically astute local managers.

Peseiro announced he was stepping down as the Super Eagles coach after his contract expired.