Peseiro may be sacked as Siasia berates Super Eagles

The Nigeria Football Federation is considering the future of Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro, with the coach likely to be disengaged soon reports the Punch Newspapers.

The Technical Committee of the federation was not pleased with the performance of the Eagles under the Portuguese and was desperate to hire a local coach.

Since taking charge of the Eagles in 2022, Peseiro has won six and lost six of his 15 matches in the dugout with the three-time African champions scoring 31 times – with 10 coming in one game against Sao Tome and Principe – and conceded 21 goals.

Despite guiding Nigeria to qualification for the forthcoming Nations Cup in Cote d’Ivoire  Peseiro’s side trails Rwanda and South Africa in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Speaking in an interview with Arewa Radio, the NFF Technical Committee  Chairman, Shariff Ahlan, said if he had the sole power to sack Peseiro, he would do it in minutes and employ an indigenous coach.

 “If I have the final say on Peseiro’s future, it will take me just one minute to fire him and bring in a Nigerian to replace him,” Ahlan said.

 “People do not know that there have been undue interferences and in most instances, there is only little, we as technical committee members can do.

“We had once resolved to let him go at all cost but the sports minister weighed in and pleaded for another lifeline on his behalf but we are in search of a replacement and it will be a local coach.

“Now we can see what the Falcons coach is doing with the team. Nigerians must be patient. If all these Nigerian coaches are given the opportunity they can perform very well, it only takes time.”

Ahlan also faulted Peseiro for keeping fate with Francis Uzoho despite his constant errors in goal for the Eagles.

He said, “We sat with Peseiro in Lisbon and asked why he invited four goalkeepers and opted to use Uzoho for the two games without trying out others,” he continued.

“Uzoho is second choice in his team and he doesn’t even play not to talk of how he performs. We’ve played several games and he keeps making mistakes so why use him all the time.”

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia, is worried that the present Super Eagles players lack what it takes to be African Champions.

Siasia said this much in an interview on Sportsville. The ex-international, in his first official interview after the expiration of his FIFA ban, said ‘’though the current team comprises of quality players, playing as a unit remains the missing link.

“Like the majority of Nigerians, I am worried about the Eagles’ lackluster performances so far. Struggling against countries like Lesotho and Zimbabwe is not a good sign of a team ready to win the Nations Cup and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

“Let us not deceive ourselves, we cannot be the best in Africa with this disorganised team, our players must be made to understand what it means to wear the green and white jersey of the nation while the coach also needs to improve on the tactical approach.

“It will be too painful if, with the quality of players at our disposal, we don’t win the AFCON or fail to pick a World Cup ticket.

“I was in Uyo to watch the Lesotho match, and what I saw were players running around without a game plan, this does not speak well of a team that has so much potential.”

The 1994 Nations Cup winner also has a word for the Nigeria Football Federation.

“We can do better by not owing the coaches, the NFF should do everything possible to ensure that issues of outstanding salaries are sorted out well before next year’s AFCON.

“We must avoid any distraction to make the team concentrate,” he explained.

On his possible return to handle the Eagles, the Bayelsa-born coach said he would be open to help.

“Nigeria is my country and I am ready to serve her to the best of my ability when the opportunity arises. Right now, I am set to attend a couple of coaching courses abroad in the coming weeks and when that is done, I will be available for any opportunity,’’ he added.