Super Eagles Icon Expresses Excitement With Peseiro’s Departure, Names Factor in Choosing Next Coach

• Jose Peseiro’s contract with the Nigerian national team expired at the end of February
• The Portuguese was heavily criticised during his stint as coach of the Super Eagles
• A former Nigeria defender has expressed excitement about the manager’s departure

Jose Peseiro's 22-month tenure with the Super Eagles was marked by a constant barrage of criticism from fans and stakeholders of the Nigerian team.

The Portuguese tactician, credited with leading the Nigerian national team to their best-ever finish at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since their 2013 triumph, has always divided opinion regarding his ability to guide the team to the lofty heights they achieved in the 1990s.

Peseiro did exhibit flashes of promise, implementing a shrewd defensive strategy that yielded results but failed to satisfy many.

However, in the aftermath of the showpiece, the 63-year-old announced his departure from his role as coach of the Super Eagles.

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This surprising announcement by Peseiro has been met with mixed reactions. Nonetheless, one that stands out is that of former Nigerian defender, Chikelue Iloenyosi, who expressed his excitement at the exit of the former Sporting CP manager.

Iloenyosi excited about Peseiro’s departure

In an interview with media outlet Brila.net, the 43-year-old expressed his delight over the manager's departure, emphasising the need for a coach who would have faith in the local talents.

"I'm excited that Peseiro is leaving the Super Eagles because we need a coach who is passionate and believes in our homegrown players," he remarked.

"Peseiro showed no interest in nurturing a creative team of home-based Eagles. Any coach who is not willing to reside in Nigeria is, in my opinion, not suitable for us. I'm glad he's leaving."

The sentiments shared by the former Nigerian defender mirror the feelings of many football stakeholders within the Nigerian community.

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Nonetheless, while many have been vocal about their thoughts on the departure of the 63-year-old, it remains unclear whether Peseiro will be rehired by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as his contract has only come to an end, and there has been no indication of his dismissal.

Nigeria legends submit names to succeed Peseiro

In another report, Sports Brief mentioned that a group of retired Nigerian footballers have proposed a list of potential replacements for Peseiro.

The report suggests that these former players are leaning towards advocating for the appointment of a local coach over a foreign manager.