The Nigerian football scene became embroiled in controversy surrounding the tenure of Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles advanced to the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024), only to falter against Ivory Coast, ultimately missing out on the coveted trophy.
Before the tournament in Ivory Coast, the Portuguese manager was given the target of reaching the semi-finals, a goal he has since surpassed.
Peseiro's original contract expired following the conclusion of the AFCON, but uncertainty remains regarding the potential extension of the agreement.
The former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, is the latest to comment on the controversy surrounding the Nigeria coach.
Pinnick's stance on Nigeria coach Peseiro
As tensions simmered and opinions clashed, the former head of the NFF stepped into the spotlight with a resolute stance, asserting the paramount importance of deference to the governing body's authority in evaluating the Nigeria coach's fate.
He emphasised the delicate nature of the situation, adamantly deferring to the NFF's prerogative in assessing the Nigeria coach's performance.
“Peseiro is a sensitive matter,” he remarked, underlining his reluctance to delve into the controversy.
His stance reverberated with a steadfast commitment to upholding the integrity of the NFF's decision-making process:
“I want to respect the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation. They will do the technical and tactical appraisals to know if he deserves to stay or not.”
Furthermore, he underscored the imperative of allowing the NFF the autonomy to reach its own conclusions, refraining from external interference.
“Like I said, I want to leave the decision to the board,” he reiterated, stressing the importance of preserving the NFF's independence in shaping the team's trajectory.
“If they want to keep him, let that be their choice and not someone asked us to do it.”
In a final plea to abstain from entangling him further in the contentious issue, he wanted to maintain a respectful distance from the ongoing deliberations.
“The Peseiro matter is a sensitive one,” he affirmed, seeking exemption from the fray.
“And so, if you will excuse me, leave me out of Peseiro matter for now.”
What has the NFF said about Nigeria coach Peseiro?
Sherif Inuwa Ahlan, the chairman of the NFF technical committee, has affirmed that the fate of Peseiro will be determined by the Federal Government.
Ahlan elucidates, “Peseiro is a national project, not only an NFF project.”
His assertion resonates with the recognition that the coach's impact extends far beyond the confines of the NFF, encapsulating broader national interests.
He further emphasises the NFF's role as a conduit between the sporting sphere and governmental authority, stating, “Our duty is to recommend and forward to the Sports Ministry, and whatever decision is taken, our duty is to implement.”
Furthermore, Ahlan underscores the importance of the collaborative relationship between the NFF and the Sports Ministry, acknowledging the pivotal role of the Minister of Sports in shaping the trajectory of Nigerian football.
He affirmed, “So far, the federation has a good working relationship with the minister, and [he] is in charge of sports in the country.”
