₦airaland Forum

Tttt

AngelicBeing:
Look for the meaning of it on Google

did you look for the meaning of it on google before you claimed "Ordained to happen"?

how was it ordained to happen?

BigDawsNet:
Yes he deserves it!

But on few conditions...

1. Invite and drop Iwobi to bench
2. Don't Invite chukweze again
3. Remove Uzoho completely
4. Start scouting some few home based players
5. Organise more international friendly
6. Scout for more attacking midfielders
7. Try and secure international player like Maduake, Chukwameka, Michael Olise, Solanke

Some few?

Why must they be few?

Is it based on quota system or merit?
Let me tell you a simple fact

Osimhen was made in Nigeria and would not be any worse if he never played in Europe for one day.
The same is true for Nwankwo Kanu

There is a reason why Westerhoff was so successful
He lived in Nigeria and understood our league
Almost all the Europe based players he used ,he was instrumental to them moving abroad AFTER he arrived
By the time. A player Is 16 he has acquired his core skills.
Iwobi does not think like a Nigerian midfielder because he is not made in Nigeria like his uncle.
A typical Nigerian midfielder makes decisions quickly,knows what he wants to do with the ball before he receives it and is technically sound.
We are not trying to play live Europeans but to improve our style which is about attack not playing Five at the back

Nope...we need a coach that will integrate the home base players into the national team to play along side with the foreign players.

lexy2014:
did you look for the meaning of it on google before you claimed "Ordained to happen"?

how was it ordained to happen?

You have started again, remember that your file is still with DSS, but you apologized to me via email and we withdrew the detention order against you, because I don't want you to lose your job with Aljazeera organization, if you continue with this ogogoro question, your case file will be reopened

He should go jor.

Is it everytime they want to be changing coaches? The man led them to this point. He should be retained. I'm sure he will examine his mistakes and do better next time.

Gajagojo:
Some few?

Why must they be few?

Is it based on quota system or merit?
Let me tell you a simple fact

Osimhen was made in Nigeria and would not be any worse if he never played in Europe for one day.
The same is true for Nwankwo Kanu

There is a reason why Westerhoff was so successful
He lived in Nigeria and understood our league
Almost all the Europe based players he used ,he was instrumental to them moving abroad AFTER he arrived
By the time. A player Is 16 he has acquired his core skills.
Iwobi does not think like a Nigerian midfielder because he is not made in Nigeria like his uncle.

We can't field large numbers of home based player
.. there is what we call international football experience...

We are not going to be playing Afcon everyday... world cup is dere... you can't play world cup with African game mentality... you won't like the result...

We need 70% foreign based player
30 % home based player

AngelicBeing:
You have started again, remember that your file is still with DSS, but you apologized to me via email and we withdrew the detention order against you, because I don't want you to lose your job with Aljazeera organization, if you continue with this ogogoro question, your case file will be reopened

did you look for the meaning of it on google before you claimed "Ordained to happen"?

how was it ordained to happen?

BigDawsNet:
We can't field large numbers of home based player
.. there is what we call international football experience...

We are not going to be playing Afcon everyday... world cup is dere... you can't play world cup with African game mentality... you won't like the result...

We need 70% foreign based player
30 % home based player

How old are you?
We're you around when Westerhhof was here
That is when we got to 6 in FIFA rankings
Again do you recall when Keshi won AFCON?
Again do you recall when Egypt was dominating AFCON defeating countries fielding European based players

Your statement is not logical
So when England or Germany or Spain field home based it is okay? They don't need your so called international football experience? It is only Africans that need it?

That is just inferiority complex speaking
If a player is good he is good

Okocha and Kanu were not made by any So called international experience. They were made in Nigeria

This Nations cup that just ended many of the teams were at the same level . There was no one team that stood out above all the others.
There are many countries with more money in their league than ours e.g Turkey ,Belgium,Greece, are their national team s that great or superior to ours.
It is that football learnt before the age of 14 in the trenches in Naija that is the core

robosky02:
AFCON 2023: Should Jose Peseiro stay as Super Eagles boss after final loss?


It is never advisable to make weighty decisions when you are reeling from a loss, and it probably rings true for Jose Peseiro’s Nigeria future after their Africa Cup of Nations final defeat by Ivory Coast. The Super Eagles were not given a prayer before a ball was kicked at AFCON 2023, as observers were not only unconvinced about the team’s performances and results but also Peseiro’s incoherent approach.

There were calls for the Portuguese boss to be discarded after Nigeria’s disappointing World Cup qualifying results in November — a pair of 1-1 draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe — with supporters keen to see an uninspired side avoid humiliation at the Cup of Nations, thus resulting in another early exit. However, it seemed the higher-ups learned from the call made two years earlier to let go of Gernot Rohr on the eve of AFCON 2021, even if it appeared Peseiro was kept in situ due to the financial hit the federation would take if they pulled the plug.

The Nigeria boss’ contract extension in September revealed a remit of taking the Super Eagles to the semi-finals of the continental showpiece, an unforeseen outcome at the finals. Anticipated was for the underperforming Portuguese and the Super Eagles to part company after the expiration of his deal in February, coincidentally after AFCON 2023. That seemed the logical thing to do, and expectations were lessened heading into the finals.


What has since followed makes for noteworthy viewing. Peseiro surpassed pre-tournament predictions by taking the three-time African champions to the final — a round better than the semi-final remit — possibly placing the ex-Venezuela boss in line for an extension. Be that as it may, it is not that simple.

Erratic Peseiro
Symbolising Peseiro is not only a reactive approach but also an inconsistency in his decision-making process.

Perhaps due to the glut of centre-forward talent, the 63-year-old opted for a two-striker formation for most of qualifying, keen to harness that firepower for better or worse. Despite Taiwo Awoniyi’s groin surgery in November and Victor Boniface’s adductor injury with the competition imminent, the Super Eagles still had Umar Sadiq (who left the group controversially), Terem Moffi and the possibility of Kelechi Iheanacho partnering Victor Osimhen in the front two, even if the Leicester City forward had played in a wide position with the license to tuck infield in the internationals leading up to AFCON 2023.



Against Equatorial Guinea in the tournament opener, the Portuguese looked to utilise a 4-3-3 — although it was a 4-2-3-1 that morphed into the former whenever Alhassan Yusuf drifted to the right to create overloads, while Alex Iwobi occupied the left half-space — signalling a change of sorts. But that was not even close to Peseiro’s major personnel alteration. In came Stanley Nwabali for the maligned Francis Uzoho, meaning the Portuguese had thrown the Chippa United goalkeeper in the deep end, having hitherto persisted with the error-prone Uzoho.

Nwabali had not played a minute for the Super Eagles since conceding four in a 4-0 friendly defeat to Mexico in July 2021, a fixture comprising only home-based players, but was suddenly thrown into a struggling team under pressure. He broadly thrived, but the delayed judgment could have been catastrophic.

Be that as it may, the most surprising inclusion in the lineup in Nigeria’s tournament opener was the return of William Troost-Ekong. Previously a mainstay in the side, Peseiro jettisoned the 30-year-old three games into his reign, with the former Watford centre-back not making a competitive appearance for the three-time African champions for 17 months as the manager’s preference for Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey was apparent. Regardless, the experienced defender was reinstated in Nigeria’s opening game, further posing questions about the 60-year-old's rationale. Ekong was ultimately named Player of the Tournament, rewarding that faith and then some, but why was he out in the cold for so long only to be restored at the competition's commencement?

At AFCON 2023, Peseiro’s approach was even more questionable, with the Portuguese manager switching to and sticking with a back three, having not utilised a three-player backline since his first friendly game against Mexico in May 2022.

Peseiro’s egregious squad management
Immediately standing out at the finals was Peseiro’s aversion to some members of his squad in Cote d’Ivoire. This was covered extensively by Pulse Sports after Nigeria defeated Angola, before facing South Africa in the semis and again by this writer before Sunday’s defeat by the Elephants.

The intention isn't fearmongering, but the Super Eagles are running on empty heading into Sunday's #AFCON2023 final against Cote d'Ivoire. #NGACIV

Looking at the data provided by Opta, four expected starters have played over 500 minutes — Semi Ajayi (570), Ola Aina (562),… https:///8weThYdC9V

— Seye Omidiora (@theReal_SeyE) February 9, 2024
The noteworthy players barely involved were Moffi, Iheanacho and Bruno Onyemaechi, while the continued disregard for Raphael Onyedika was striking — the latter’s minimal contribution consequently meant Alex Iwobi was utilised in suboptimal conditions. If Onyedika’s limited involvement was noteworthy, Moffi’s was tough to explain, as Peseiro preferred Paul Onuachu until the semis, while Iheanacho’s was astounding because of the Leicester forward’s competence in the inside-right channel and at linking up play. Instead, Moses Simon was typically utilised in the pockets, having to receive the ball with his back to goal in congested areas instead of getting the ball closer to the touchline.

Onyemaechi’s non-involvement in the competition was perhaps the most eye-catching, as he played a prominent role in the previous three international windows before AFCON 2023, starting four of the Super Eagles’ five games. However, the Boavista wide defender was unused in Cote d’Ivoire, even when Zaidu Sanusi’s erratic displays warranted a change. And whenever one was made, Peseiro switched Ola Aina over to the left flank to accommodate Bright Osayi-Samuel. Frankly, it was jarring.

Jose Peseiro
Bright Osayi-Samuel was given game time by Jose Peseiro at AFCON 2023 (Credit: Imago/Shengolpixs)
Jose Peseiro: What comes next?
It remains to be seen if the Portuguese boss is retained after exceeding pre-AFCON expectations. Nigeria’s run united the populace and had supporters believing the three-time champions were primed for a fourth crown. Even if the football was broadly ugly and the defensive approach questionable, it was good enough for a deep run in a cup competition. But this side should be playing on the front foot, a characteristic not seen consistently at the Cup of Nations, barring their tournament opener against Equatorial Guinea.

Peseiro deserves credit for getting the players to buy into his ideas at the Cup of Nations, but the absence of trust shown to previously utilised personnel was concerning. Does he reinstate said players, having given them short shrift at AFCON 2023? “What is the point?” the team member might ask, “he’ll leave me out in the tournament proper anyway.”

The Super Eagles boss did the unforeseen by taking the continental giants into another Cup of Nations final, thus fulfilling and surpassing his remit. That should keep him in the job in normal circumstances, but the muddled approach and inconsistency in the Portuguese manager’s decisions mean it is far from guaranteed. The bigger picture must be considered.



https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/afcon-2023-should-jose-peseiro-stay-as-super-eagles-boss-after-final-loss-2024021205521394728

Wait oo did follow the players back to the country? Diz man get mind oo

We should celebrate Jose Peseiro
But let him leave

Nigeria has a known playing pattern we should get a new coach that can play the nigerian pattern plus add the defense style

robosky02:
AFCON 2023: Should Jose Peseiro stay as Super Eagles boss after final loss?


It is never advisable to make weighty decisions when you are reeling from a loss, and it probably rings true for Jose Peseiro’s Nigeria future after their Africa Cup of Nations final defeat by Ivory Coast. The Super Eagles were not given a prayer before a ball was kicked at AFCON 2023, as observers were not only unconvinced about the team’s performances and results but also Peseiro’s incoherent approach.

There were calls for the Portuguese boss to be discarded after Nigeria’s disappointing World Cup qualifying results in November — a pair of 1-1 draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe — with supporters keen to see an uninspired side avoid humiliation at the Cup of Nations, thus resulting in another early exit. However, it seemed the higher-ups learned from the call made two years earlier to let go of Gernot Rohr on the eve of AFCON 2021, even if it appeared Peseiro was kept in situ due to the financial hit the federation would take if they pulled the plug.

The Nigeria boss’ contract extension in September revealed a remit of taking the Super Eagles to the semi-finals of the continental showpiece, an unforeseen outcome at the finals. Anticipated was for the underperforming Portuguese and the Super Eagles to part company after the expiration of his deal in February, coincidentally after AFCON 2023. That seemed the logical thing to do, and expectations were lessened heading into the finals.


What has since followed makes for noteworthy viewing. Peseiro surpassed pre-tournament predictions by taking the three-time African champions to the final — a round better than the semi-final remit — possibly placing the ex-Venezuela boss in line for an extension. Be that as it may, it is not that simple.

Erratic Peseiro
Symbolising Peseiro is not only a reactive approach but also an inconsistency in his decision-making process.

Perhaps due to the glut of centre-forward talent, the 63-year-old opted for a two-striker formation for most of qualifying, keen to harness that firepower for better or worse. Despite Taiwo Awoniyi’s groin surgery in November and Victor Boniface’s adductor injury with the competition imminent, the Super Eagles still had Umar Sadiq (who left the group controversially), Terem Moffi and the possibility of Kelechi Iheanacho partnering Victor Osimhen in the front two, even if the Leicester City forward had played in a wide position with the license to tuck infield in the internationals leading up to AFCON 2023.



Against Equatorial Guinea in the tournament opener, the Portuguese looked to utilise a 4-3-3 — although it was a 4-2-3-1 that morphed into the former whenever Alhassan Yusuf drifted to the right to create overloads, while Alex Iwobi occupied the left half-space — signalling a change of sorts. But that was not even close to Peseiro’s major personnel alteration. In came Stanley Nwabali for the maligned Francis Uzoho, meaning the Portuguese had thrown the Chippa United goalkeeper in the deep end, having hitherto persisted with the error-prone Uzoho.

Nwabali had not played a minute for the Super Eagles since conceding four in a 4-0 friendly defeat to Mexico in July 2021, a fixture comprising only home-based players, but was suddenly thrown into a struggling team under pressure. He broadly thrived, but the delayed judgment could have been catastrophic.

Be that as it may, the most surprising inclusion in the lineup in Nigeria’s tournament opener was the return of William Troost-Ekong. Previously a mainstay in the side, Peseiro jettisoned the 30-year-old three games into his reign, with the former Watford centre-back not making a competitive appearance for the three-time African champions for 17 months as the manager’s preference for Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey was apparent. Regardless, the experienced defender was reinstated in Nigeria’s opening game, further posing questions about the 60-year-old's rationale. Ekong was ultimately named Player of the Tournament, rewarding that faith and then some, but why was he out in the cold for so long only to be restored at the competition's commencement?

At AFCON 2023, Peseiro’s approach was even more questionable, with the Portuguese manager switching to and sticking with a back three, having not utilised a three-player backline since his first friendly game against Mexico in May 2022.

Peseiro’s egregious squad management
Immediately standing out at the finals was Peseiro’s aversion to some members of his squad in Cote d’Ivoire. This was covered extensively by Pulse Sports after Nigeria defeated Angola, before facing South Africa in the semis and again by this writer before Sunday’s defeat by the Elephants.

The intention isn't fearmongering, but the Super Eagles are running on empty heading into Sunday's #AFCON2023 final against Cote d'Ivoire. #NGACIV

Looking at the data provided by Opta, four expected starters have played over 500 minutes — Semi Ajayi (570), Ola Aina (562),… https:///8weThYdC9V

— Seye Omidiora (@theReal_SeyE) February 9, 2024
The noteworthy players barely involved were Moffi, Iheanacho and Bruno Onyemaechi, while the continued disregard for Raphael Onyedika was striking — the latter’s minimal contribution consequently meant Alex Iwobi was utilised in suboptimal conditions. If Onyedika’s limited involvement was noteworthy, Moffi’s was tough to explain, as Peseiro preferred Paul Onuachu until the semis, while Iheanacho’s was astounding because of the Leicester forward’s competence in the inside-right channel and at linking up play. Instead, Moses Simon was typically utilised in the pockets, having to receive the ball with his back to goal in congested areas instead of getting the ball closer to the touchline.

Onyemaechi’s non-involvement in the competition was perhaps the most eye-catching, as he played a prominent role in the previous three international windows before AFCON 2023, starting four of the Super Eagles’ five games. However, the Boavista wide defender was unused in Cote d’Ivoire, even when Zaidu Sanusi’s erratic displays warranted a change. And whenever one was made, Peseiro switched Ola Aina over to the left flank to accommodate Bright Osayi-Samuel. Frankly, it was jarring.

Jose Peseiro
Bright Osayi-Samuel was given game time by Jose Peseiro at AFCON 2023 (Credit: Imago/Shengolpixs)
Jose Peseiro: What comes next?
It remains to be seen if the Portuguese boss is retained after exceeding pre-AFCON expectations. Nigeria’s run united the populace and had supporters believing the three-time champions were primed for a fourth crown. Even if the football was broadly ugly and the defensive approach questionable, it was good enough for a deep run in a cup competition. But this side should be playing on the front foot, a characteristic not seen consistently at the Cup of Nations, barring their tournament opener against Equatorial Guinea.

Peseiro deserves credit for getting the players to buy into his ideas at the Cup of Nations, but the absence of trust shown to previously utilised personnel was concerning. Does he reinstate said players, having given them short shrift at AFCON 2023? “What is the point?” the team member might ask, “he’ll leave me out in the tournament proper anyway.”

The Super Eagles boss did the unforeseen by taking the continental giants into another Cup of Nations final, thus fulfilling and surpassing his remit. That should keep him in the job in normal circumstances, but the muddled approach and inconsistency in the Portuguese manager’s decisions mean it is far from guaranteed. The bigger picture must be considered.



https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/afcon-2023-should-jose-peseiro-stay-as-super-eagles-boss-after-final-loss-2024021205521394728

He should go. Away with hypertensive football

Still prefer we dominate play and lose like in 2021 than played defensive game even when you're leading for 45+ mins

Defense win you FEW titles, the best form of defense is attack. That's why Pep trophies cabinet is larger than that of Mou

GanagiBitrus:
Over to Nairaland Parliament...

LIKE =Peseiro should Stay
SHARE =Peseiro should Go

How did you see the vote?
This is the same way some leftist brought us to where we are politically. They are never satisfied and always demanding for more. They don't believe in growth, the only language they understand is "get rich quick".

Nigeria has a very long way to go. If you tell them failure breeds success they will tell you Holy Ghost FIRRRREE!!!

Even God in the process of creation tried and tried again.

Dangote is one of the richest man in Africa and he once said "for every one of his business that succeeds a thousand has failed"

Some Nigerians are very educated illiterates.

For like three times I have read "Second Chance" by Robert Kiyosaki and I learnt quite a lot each time.

spiSeyi:
Nigeria made it to the final by luck and football is not a game of luck we need a homebased coach like Amunike who knows and understand our football and culture. Senegal , Ivory-coast and Cameroon worn AFCON in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2024 with homebased coach, and we did the same in 2013 with Stephen Kechi. Jose Posero only leveraged on the individual talents of our players. A good coach would have sub chukwueze with Simon, start Kelechi and Mofi in the 2nd half then change the formation to 4-2-4 in the second half to mount pressure on Cote d'Ivoir. The best way to defend is to attack

What has Amunike even won in coaching self aside u17.

Amunike this , Amunike that…


He has been fired from his job so many times

Now he is clubless. If he is that good, why has no club or a country national team hired him?

To me, the best Nigeria 🇳🇬 coach is
S
A
M
S
O
N
SIASIA

If he has served his ban, he should be appointed

Sack him and replace him with a top manager that understands our style of football. We have to be quick because we can’t afford to miss out of the World Cup.

He is too negative. We can’t string passes together, no creativity, no pace nor possessive football, no cutting edge, just dull to watch.

With our natural athleticism, he couldn’t utilise it. His selection and tactics were quite poor.

We should get a Dutch, Spanish or even German coach with big pedigree.

Jurgen Klopp is a good shout or even his assistance coach if we could pay him.. Assistant coaches of top coaches are also good shouts and affordable.

We should also allow any future coach to bring their backroom staff to enable smooth training.

he should go, I'm not still convince with his performance.

He didn't perform badly so he should stay.


He can learn from his mistake in the finals and know when to play attacking or defensive football.

merits:
Atleast he has learnt from his mistakes.

How the hell do you know that?

He told you?

Smh

Catapault:
How the hell do you know that?

He told you?

Smh

Yes he called and told me to everyone on is behalf.

TheWinterBird:
Is it everytime they want to be changing coaches? The man led then to this point. He should be retained. I'm sure he will examine his mistakes and do better next time.

You are “sure”.

Why are you “sure”?

Coaches tend to have a philosophy that defines their playing style.

For this guy it is Mourinho-style Park the Bus system.

You cannot be “sure” that he will try any other system since this system got him a renewed contract after the semi final.

Or that he will even know what he’s doing if he tries a different playing style..

He has really tried in the just concluded tournament but going forward we need a tactically sound manager who change tactics when his plan A has been stifled!

To my knowledge, he is a good coach needed to improve on his performances. He needed more players, home and abroad.

Gajagojo:
How old are you?
We're you around when Westerhhof was here
That is when we got to 6 in FIFA rankings
Again do you recall when Keshi won AFCON?
Again do you recall when Egypt was dominating AFCON defeating countries fielding European based players

Your statement is not logical
So when England or Germany or Spain field home based it is okay? They don't need your so called international football experience? It is only Africans that need it?

That is just inferiority complex speaking
If a player is good he is good

Okocha and Kanu were not made by any So called international experience. They were made in Nigeria

This Nations cup that just ended many of the teams were at the same level . There was no one team that stood out above all the others.
There are many countries with more money in their league than ours e.g Turkey ,Belgium,Greece, are their national team s that great or superior to ours.
It is that football learnt before the age of 14 in the trenches in Naija that is the core

Dude 1900 is different 2024... the game style then is completely different from the recent one right now...

Keshi and Okocha + Kanu is way different kinda of play than iwobi, Simon moses or chukweze...

The comparison is absolutely different...

England, Spain Italy game style are different from African especially Nigerian league games...

Oya goan bring Norwich and Leeds United in championship to play lobi star and remo... tell me if the Nigerian local gaint team will see draw...

Does that mean the Lobi stars players are not good? They are definitely good but African games are definitely nothing close to the foreign game style..

We need lots of foreign based and some home based to do well...

Southafrica are team that focuses on home based for decades... where are they in fifa world ranking? Hun?

In my opinion, he did not perform up to par. We had a clear chance to secure victory in the game by maintaining a 1-goal lead going into the second half, despite adopting a defensive approach in the first 45 minutes. All that was required was for him to instruct the team to switch to an attacking strategy for the remaining 45 minutes. This move could have disrupted the game plan of the Ivorian coach, who likely anticipated us to continue defending. Employing an attacking style of play could have unsettled the Ivorian team, potentially resulting in more goals for us. Unfortunately, our coach lacked the necessary tactical acumen in this situation.

Whether he stays or goes, I don't care

All I know is that the current Super Chickens team 🐔 is nothing but a very average squad

BigDawsNet:
Dude 1900 is different 2024... the game style then is completely different from the recent one right now...

Keshi and Okocha + Kanu is way different kinda of play than iwobi, Simon moses or chukweze...

The comparison is absolutely different...

England, Spain Italy game style are different from African especially Nigerian league games...

Oya goan bring Norwich and Leeds United in championship to play lobi star and remo... tell me if the Nigerian local gaint team will see draw...

Does that mean the Lobi stars players are not good? They are definitely good but African games are definitely nothing close to the foreign game style..

We need lots of foreign based and some home based to do well...

Southafrica are team that focuses on home based for decades... where are they in fifa world ranking? Hun?

The reality is we have won the tournament thrice with players developed at home and NEVER won it with a preponderance of players who left Nigeria before the age of 18

So if you say we need foreign based players where is the evidence
There is no evidence
Keshi won the game with home based players defeating Drogba and co
Was that in 1800?


Egypt won the tournament back to back 3times with home based players that did not happen in 1700

Kinzo0917:
What has Amunike even won in coaching self aside u17.

Amunike this , Amunike that…


He has been fired from his job so many times

Now he is clubless. If he is that good, why has no club or a country national team hired him?

To me, the best Nigeria 🇳🇬 coach is
S
A
M
S
O
N
SIASIA

If he has served his ban, he should be appointed

He was the one who Tanzania to their first AFCON and took them to the 2nd round for the first time

Get me Klopp. Perserio and bus parking tactics should Bleep off.

lexy2014:
did you look for the meaning of it on google before you claimed "Ordained to happen"?

how was it ordained to happen?

Ok, if you ask me this same question again, within 72 hours, we shall initiate a fresh DSS arrest for you and a notification mail will be sent to Aljazeera organization in Qatar

Yes he should stay.

Sacking coach doesn't solve issues.

We done too sack

robosky02:
AFCON 2023: Should Jose Peseiro stay as Super Eagles boss after final loss?


It is never advisable to make weighty decisions when you are reeling from a loss, and it probably rings true for Jose Peseiro’s Nigeria future after their Africa Cup of Nations final defeat by Ivory Coast. The Super Eagles were not given a prayer before a ball was kicked at AFCON 2023, as observers were not only unconvinced about the team’s performances and results but also Peseiro’s incoherent approach.

There were calls for the Portuguese boss to be discarded after Nigeria’s disappointing World Cup qualifying results in November — a pair of 1-1 draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe — with supporters keen to see an uninspired side avoid humiliation at the Cup of Nations, thus resulting in another early exit. However, it seemed the higher-ups learned from the call made two years earlier to let go of Gernot Rohr on the eve of AFCON 2021, even if it appeared Peseiro was kept in situ due to the financial hit the federation would take if they pulled the plug.

The Nigeria boss’ contract extension in September revealed a remit of taking the Super Eagles to the semi-finals of the continental showpiece, an unforeseen outcome at the finals. Anticipated was for the underperforming Portuguese and the Super Eagles to part company after the expiration of his deal in February, coincidentally after AFCON 2023. That seemed the logical thing to do, and expectations were lessened heading into the finals.


What has since followed makes for noteworthy viewing. Peseiro surpassed pre-tournament predictions by taking the three-time African champions to the final — a round better than the semi-final remit — possibly placing the ex-Venezuela boss in line for an extension. Be that as it may, it is not that simple.

Erratic Peseiro
Symbolising Peseiro is not only a reactive approach but also an inconsistency in his decision-making process.

Perhaps due to the glut of centre-forward talent, the 63-year-old opted for a two-striker formation for most of qualifying, keen to harness that firepower for better or worse. Despite Taiwo Awoniyi’s groin surgery in November and Victor Boniface’s adductor injury with the competition imminent, the Super Eagles still had Umar Sadiq (who left the group controversially), Terem Moffi and the possibility of Kelechi Iheanacho partnering Victor Osimhen in the front two, even if the Leicester City forward had played in a wide position with the license to tuck infield in the internationals leading up to AFCON 2023.



Against Equatorial Guinea in the tournament opener, the Portuguese looked to utilise a 4-3-3 — although it was a 4-2-3-1 that morphed into the former whenever Alhassan Yusuf drifted to the right to create overloads, while Alex Iwobi occupied the left half-space — signalling a change of sorts. But that was not even close to Peseiro’s major personnel alteration. In came Stanley Nwabali for the maligned Francis Uzoho, meaning the Portuguese had thrown the Chippa United goalkeeper in the deep end, having hitherto persisted with the error-prone Uzoho.

Nwabali had not played a minute for the Super Eagles since conceding four in a 4-0 friendly defeat to Mexico in July 2021, a fixture comprising only home-based players, but was suddenly thrown into a struggling team under pressure. He broadly thrived, but the delayed judgment could have been catastrophic.

Be that as it may, the most surprising inclusion in the lineup in Nigeria’s tournament opener was the return of William Troost-Ekong. Previously a mainstay in the side, Peseiro jettisoned the 30-year-old three games into his reign, with the former Watford centre-back not making a competitive appearance for the three-time African champions for 17 months as the manager’s preference for Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey was apparent. Regardless, the experienced defender was reinstated in Nigeria’s opening game, further posing questions about the 60-year-old's rationale. Ekong was ultimately named Player of the Tournament, rewarding that faith and then some, but why was he out in the cold for so long only to be restored at the competition's commencement?

At AFCON 2023, Peseiro’s approach was even more questionable, with the Portuguese manager switching to and sticking with a back three, having not utilised a three-player backline since his first friendly game against Mexico in May 2022.

Peseiro’s egregious squad management
Immediately standing out at the finals was Peseiro’s aversion to some members of his squad in Cote d’Ivoire. This was covered extensively by Pulse Sports after Nigeria defeated Angola, before facing South Africa in the semis and again by this writer before Sunday’s defeat by the Elephants.

The intention isn't fearmongering, but the Super Eagles are running on empty heading into Sunday's #AFCON2023 final against Cote d'Ivoire. #NGACIV

Looking at the data provided by Opta, four expected starters have played over 500 minutes — Semi Ajayi (570), Ola Aina (562),… https:///8weThYdC9V

— Seye Omidiora (@theReal_SeyE) February 9, 2024
The noteworthy players barely involved were Moffi, Iheanacho and Bruno Onyemaechi, while the continued disregard for Raphael Onyedika was striking — the latter’s minimal contribution consequently meant Alex Iwobi was utilised in suboptimal conditions. If Onyedika’s limited involvement was noteworthy, Moffi’s was tough to explain, as Peseiro preferred Paul Onuachu until the semis, while Iheanacho’s was astounding because of the Leicester forward’s competence in the inside-right channel and at linking up play. Instead, Moses Simon was typically utilised in the pockets, having to receive the ball with his back to goal in congested areas instead of getting the ball closer to the touchline.

Onyemaechi’s non-involvement in the competition was perhaps the most eye-catching, as he played a prominent role in the previous three international windows before AFCON 2023, starting four of the Super Eagles’ five games. However, the Boavista wide defender was unused in Cote d’Ivoire, even when Zaidu Sanusi’s erratic displays warranted a change. And whenever one was made, Peseiro switched Ola Aina over to the left flank to accommodate Bright Osayi-Samuel. Frankly, it was jarring.

Jose Peseiro
Bright Osayi-Samuel was given game time by Jose Peseiro at AFCON 2023 (Credit: Imago/Shengolpixs)
Jose Peseiro: What comes next?
It remains to be seen if the Portuguese boss is retained after exceeding pre-AFCON expectations. Nigeria’s run united the populace and had supporters believing the three-time champions were primed for a fourth crown. Even if the football was broadly ugly and the defensive approach questionable, it was good enough for a deep run in a cup competition. But this side should be playing on the front foot, a characteristic not seen consistently at the Cup of Nations, barring their tournament opener against Equatorial Guinea.

Peseiro deserves credit for getting the players to buy into his ideas at the Cup of Nations, but the absence of trust shown to previously utilised personnel was concerning. Does he reinstate said players, having given them short shrift at AFCON 2023? “What is the point?” the team member might ask, “he’ll leave me out in the tournament proper anyway.”

The Super Eagles boss did the unforeseen by taking the continental giants into another Cup of Nations final, thus fulfilling and surpassing his remit. That should keep him in the job in normal circumstances, but the muddled approach and inconsistency in the Portuguese manager’s decisions mean it is far from guaranteed. The bigger picture must be considered.



https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/afcon-2023-should-jose-peseiro-stay-as-super-eagles-boss-after-final-loss-2024021205521394728

NO!