The Portuguese tactician vacated his position as the head coach of the Nigerian men’s national football team a few hours ago
Jose Peseiro has applauded the members of his coaching staff for their critical contribution to his success as head coach of the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.
Former Nigeria international George Finidi was appointed Peseiro’s assistant, while Olatunji Baruwa was drafted as the goalkeeper coach when the Portuguese was hired to take charge of the Super Eagles in mid-2022.
Peseiro brought in his crew, including Acácio Santos, Maykel Moreira, Vitor Peseiro, and Nuno Carrapato, to help manage the former African champions.
They did a good job qualifying Nigeria for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
Even more impressively, Peseiro and his coaching assistants got the Super Eagles flying at the AFCON despite missing several key players due to injury.
Nigeria were unbeaten in six games to reach the final of the competition for the first time in over a decade.
However, the Eagles failed to soar in the final, losing to hosts Cote d’Ivoire despite taking the lead.
Peseiro’s contract expired after the AFCON, and he has since announced his decision to vacate his role as head coach.
However, Peseiro appreciates his coaching crew – including Finidi and Baruwa – for their input in the Super Eagles’ success.
Writing on Twitter, Peseiro said: “Many, many hours of work, but in the end a lot of satisfaction for what we have achieved.
“Many thanks to my technical staff: Acácio Santos, George Finidi, Maykel Moreira, Vitor Peseiro, Nuno Carrapato, and Olatunji Baruwa.”
Many, many hours of work, but in the end a lot of satisfaction for what we have achieved. Many thanks to my technical staff: Acácio Santos, George Finidi, Maykel Moreira, Vitor Peseiro, Nuno Carrapato, and Olatunji Baruwa.@thenff pic.twitter.com/3RV8yHj5sZ
— Jose Peseiro (@JosePeseiro) March 2, 2024
The Nigerian Football Federation has named Augustine Eguavoen as the interim head coach of the Super Eagles.
A permanent manager is expected to be appointed before the next round of the World Cup qualifiers begin.