Two defeats, two wins against minions not enough to extend Peseiro’s contract
Without being disrespectful to their opponents the Super Eagles have played four matches under the Portuguese coach
In the last 48 hours, the media has been washed with the news of imminent extension of the contract of Super Eagles Head coach Jose Peseiro.
The reason being given for the likely extension is the postponement of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Peseiro was announced as Super Eagles’ substantive head coach in May following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Portuguese tactician penned a one-year contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
With the postponement of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations from June next year to January 2024, the NFF it was reported will open talks on an extension with Peseiro until after the AFCON finals in Cote d’Ivoire.
But opening contract extension now may be too early.
Peseiro need to be tested with more qualities especially against top quality teams like Spain, Egypt, Italy, Morocco, and other top teams in Africa and beyond before Nigerians can make a proper assessment of the coach and decide if deserves a new contract or not.
Without being disrespectful to their opponents the Super Eagles have played four matches under the Portuguese coach.
They played two average teams, Mexico and Ecuador, they not only lost the two games but they played badly.
They struggled against Sierra-Leone in Abuja. Though they defeated Sao Tome but that should just count as warm-up matches for the Eagles because any Nation Wide League side will also beat the country that has no pedigree in any sports not just football.
In his first match against Mexico, Nigeria suffered a defeat the friendly match.
Peseiro s second game in charge of the Super Eagles ended in defeat just like the first as Nigeria lost 1-0 to Ecuador in another friendly game.
The Super Eagles struggled to find a rhythm and looked a bit disjointed from in both matches.
That is why the NFF need to pause about contract extension now and test Peseiro with Grade A matches.
