Jose Peseiro Leaves Role as Head Coach of Super Eagles while Austine Eguavoen Set to Replace Him

Jose Peseiro, the renowned tactician who guided the Super Eagles to a commendable second-place finish at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, has officially announced his departure as manager of the Nigerian national football team. His decision comes ahead of the highly anticipated AFCON 2025 tournament.

Peseiro, a Portuguese football strategist, confirmed his exit through a statement released on Friday, March 1, signaling the end of his tenure with the Eagles. His departure aligns with the expiration of his contract, which officially lapsed on Thursday, February 29.

Notably, Jose Peseiro has already committed to coaching Algeria for AFCON 2025 and will also lead the team in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. This transition marks a significant change in the football landscape for both Peseiro and the Nigerian Football Federation.

In the wake of Peseiro's departure, speculation has been rife regarding his successor. Reports indicate that Augustine Eguavoen, a former coach of the Nigerian national team, is poised to assume the role of interim coach for the Super Eagles. Although no official confirmation has been provided by the Nigerian Football Federation, Eguavoen's potential appointment adds intrigue to the coaching dynamics of the team.

A seasoned figure in Nigerian football, Augustine Eguavoen boasts a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach. He previously served as the technical director of the national team from 2020 to 2021 and has held the position of caretaker coach on two separate occasions.

During his tenure as caretaker boss, Eguavoen guided the Super Eagles to a round of 16 finish at AFCON 2021, showcasing his ability to navigate high-stakes tournaments. However, his tenure was marred by the team's failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, following a defeat to arch-rivals Ghana in the playoffs.

As the footballing world eagerly awaits official confirmation of Augustine Eguavoen's appointment, the Nigerian Football Federation faces the task of ensuring continuity and success for the Super Eagles in the midst of managerial transition. Eguavoen's leadership and tactical acumen will be pivotal as Nigeria seeks to build on past achievements and pursue glory on the international stage.