The PUNCH has gathered that the Nigeria Football Federation is considering the future of Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro, with the coach likely to be disengaged soon as the search for his replacement has commenced.
Our correspondent learnt that the Technical Committee of the federation was not pleased with the performance of the Eagles under the Portuguese and was desperate to hire a local coach.
Since taking charge of the Eagles in 2022, Peseiro has won six and lost six of his 15 matches in the dugout with the three-time African champions scoring 31 times – with 10 coming in one game against Sao Tome and Principe – and conceded 21 goals.
Despite guiding Nigeria to qualification for the forthcoming Nations Cup in Ivory Coast, Peseiro’s side trails Rwanda and South Africa in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Speaking in an interview with Arewa Radio, the NFF Technical Committee Chairman, Shariff Ahlan, said if he had the sole power to sack Peseiro, he would do it in minutes and employ an indigenous coach.
“If I have the final say on Peseiro’s future, it will take me just one minute to fire him and bring in a Nigerian to replace him,” Ahlan said.
“People do not know that there have been undue interferences and in most instances, there is only little, we as technical committee members can do.
“We had once resolved to let him go at all cost but the sports minister weighed in and pleaded for another lifeline on his behalf but we are in search of a replacement and it will be a local coach.
“Now we can see what the Falcons coach is doing with the team. Nigerians must be patient. If all these Nigerian coaches are given the opportunity they can perform very well, it only takes time.”
Ahlan also faulted Peseiro for keeping fate with Francis Uzoho despite his constant errors in goal for the Eagles.
He said, “We sat with Peseiro in Lisbon and asked why he invited four goalkeepers and opted to use Uzoho for the two games without trying out others,” he continued.
“Uzoho is second choice in his team and he doesn’t even play not to talk of how he performs. We’ve played several games and he keeps making mistakes so why use him all the time.”
