Jose Peseiro: Super Eagles Legend Declares Himself Perfect Candidate to Succeed Portuguese Coach

• The future of the Super Eagles' coaching role continues to generate a buzz
• Jose Peseiro recently announced his departure following the expiration of his contract
• A former Nigeria player has named himself as the best candidate to replace the Portuguese

Discussions surrounding the search for a new head coach for Nigeria's national football team have taken centre stage following the departure of former Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro.

The Portuguese tactician stepped down from his role after failing to reach an agreement for a contract extension with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), following the expiration of his former contract.

However, as negotiations with Peseiro for a possible extension reportedly continue, a former Super Eagles midfielder has thrown his hat into the ring, expressing his interest in assuming the coaching reins for the Nigerian team.

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Super Eagles icon on replacing Peseiro

In an interview with media outlet, Punch Online, former Nigeria midfielder and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner, Sylvanus Okpala, has put himself forward as the prime candidate to succeed the former Sporting CP manager.

The 62-year-old praised Peseiro for his tenure as the Nigerian head coach but emphasised the importance of bringing the coaching role back home.

Okpala stated, "The only thing I can say about Peseiro is that he has tried his best, but the game goes on."

When asked about potential replacements, he confidently stated,

"I am one of those who should replace him. For the fact that we have been having this issue of getting to quarter-finals and semi-finals, that is a wrong way of employing a coach."

Okpala's remarks add a new layer of intrigue to the ongoing discussion about finding a suitable successor for Peseiro.

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The former midfielder, who won the AFCON for the second time as an assistant manager to Stephen Keshi in 2013, joins a growing list of retired Nigerian players, including Emmanuel Amunike, who have expressed interest in coaching the Super Eagles.

Jose Peseiro plans next move

Sports Brief in another report stated that the former coach of the Nigerian team, Peseiro, is planning a move to another African team.

So far, the former Real Madrid assistant coach has failed to agree on terms for a contract extension with the NFF.

The 63-year-old is reported to be interested in the job with the South African national team.