Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro has been linked with the vacant Algeria coaching job, with his future with the Super Eagles currently shrouded in confusion.
The Portuguese was hired as Nigeria coach in May 2022. Although his style was often criticised, he redeemed himself by leading Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024).
Under Peseiro, the Super Eagles played some of their best football at the tournament, where their only defeat came in the final against hosts Ivory Coast.
He also appears to have sorted out the country’s goalkeeping problems after taking the bold step to replace Francis Uzoho with Stanley Nwabali, who went on to keep four clean sheets in seven matches at the AFCON.
Algeria prioritise Nigeria coach Peseiro for coaching job
With Peseiro’s current as Nigeria coach contract set to expire in the coming days, the former FC Porto coach has reportedly been approached by Algeria.
According to a report by DZ Foot, Peseiro has been made a priority target by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF).
The report suggests that the 63-year-old’s exploits at the AFCON have piqued the interest of the Algeria FA, who want to make him a successor to Djamel Belmadi after the latter stepped down following the Desert Foxes’ group-stage exit at AFCON 2024.
Peseiro is said to be among a three-man shortlist being considered for the vacant Algeria coaching role, alongside Vladimir Petkovic and Carlos Queiroz. However, Algeria are currently prioritising Peseiro due to his exploits in the just ended AFCON.
Also, Queiroz is said to have dropped down the pecking order due to his wage demands, which the Algeria FA deem to be too high to meet.
Petkovic, who previously managed Bordeaux and the Swiss national team, is also on the shortlist as a backup plan, in case the FA fails in its pursuit of Peseiro.
Nigeria coach Peseiro’s Super Eagles future uncertain
Peseiro’s future with the Nigeria national team remains unclear despite his success with the Super Eagles at the AFCON.
The Portuguese coach has confirmed that his current contract will expire at the end of February and that he is in talks with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
However, the NFF has remained tightlipped on the situation, leading to speculations over the Super Eagles coach’s immediate future in the wake of Algeria’s pursuit.
“My contract ends at the end of this month. Now I go to rest and I am speaking with the NFF to know about my future. Now I need to rest as I’m very tired, everybody is tired but we are speaking together about my future,” Peseiro told TVC News Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Peseiro also hinted at staying after he was honoured by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the Order of the Niger (MON) after leading the Super Eagles to the final of the AFCON.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the 63-year-old said he was proud and honoured by his achievements with the West African country and for making the nation dream.
“Honored and proud. We were received and commended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who reinforced what we already felt from the Nigerian people, participating in AFCON made the whole Nation dream, happy and united!” he wrote.
It remains to be seen whether Peseiro will depart or stay as Nigeria coach after leading them to their best AFCON finish since 2013.
