The Nigerian national team, three-time champions of the AFCON in 1980, 1994, and 2013, with a total of 15 podium finishes, will approach the 2023 edition of the tournament without any minimum goals set by the local federation, as disclosed by coach José Peseiro.
“I haven’t set myself any specific targets. I decided to coach the Nigerian team with the aim of winning the CAN, considering the quality of the players, the history of the team and the real possibility of being champions, given our ability. That’s why I signed the contract, but only until the end of the CAN” said the 63-year-old Portuguese coach in an interview with Lusa news agency.
José Peseiro succeeded Augustine Eguavoen in May 2022 and extended his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in September 2023, accepting a salary reduction compared to his previous contract, which had expired in June.
“At the time, we were offered more time on our contract, but we turned it down. Our focus was on qualifying and winning the CAN. In contractual terms, the only guarantee was qualification, with no other specific objectives” he explained.
Three months before the renewal, the Super Eagles had already secured their 20th consecutive CAN appearance, topping Group A with 15 points, which guaranteed them first place and direct access to the final phase of the tournament.
