Former Super Eagles coach José Peseiro has revealed that fatigue was the main reason for his decision to step down after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The Portuguese manager, appointed in May 2022, ended his tenure in March 2024, following Nigeria's second-place finish in Côte d'Ivoire.
Peseiro’s departure, which came after 22 months in charge, marked the end of a tenure characterized by moments of promise and lingering questions about consistency.
Nigeria’s AFCON run under Peseiro was largely impressive, remaining unbeaten until the final against hosts Côte d'Ivoire. Despite the team’s strong performances, Peseiro had already made up his mind to leave.
“I decided when we started the AFCON that when the contract ends, I’ll leave. I put so much effort into my job, I had so much stress. My staff supported me, the players also did, but I accumulated fatigue,” he said.
The 64-year-old coach admitted he was physically and mentally drained, even Nigeria's impressive run to the AFCON final had no bearing on his decision to step down.
“Even if I won the AFCON, I’d have left,” he clarified.
Mixed tenure of highs and lows
During his 22 months in charge, Peseiro managed 23 matches, winning 11, drawing four, and losing eight. The team scored 39 goals but conceded 27, and although they reached the AFCON final, they suffered losses to lower-ranked teams like Guinea-Bissau in the qualifiers.
While the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had high hopes for Peseiro, his time in charge was a mixed bag. The Portuguese coach cited the lack of sufficient support from the NFF, which he felt constrained his efforts to elevate the team. Nonetheless, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication, even if not always matched by results.
