Nigeria Football Federation has agreed on terms with former F.C Porto and Sporting Lisbon head coach Jose Peseiro to take charge of the national team. The 62-year-old, who resigned from the Venezuela job last August because of unpaid wages, was previously named as Nigeria coach in December and was set to take over the Super Eagles after the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Portuguese then rejected the offer in February after their exit from the tournament, citing disagreements over contractual clauses and financial matters. But Peseiro, who has been headhunted by NFF president Amaju Pinnick, will now finalize a deal before Nigeria plays two friendlies in the United States later this month. The Nigerian Football Federation director of communications Ademola Olajire said: “It’s important to reiterate that a deal has been agreed with Mr. Peseiro and he will sign his contract before our friendly against Mexico on 28 May.”
He also said: “The Super Eagles are heading into a new phase and the arrival of a new coach is very important for this process.” The NFF, which has not given details about Peseiro’s contract, confirmed former Nigeria international Finidi George will be the first assistant to him. Another person to assist him will be Salisu Yusuf who is the head coach of Nigeria’s Chan (for locally-based players) and under-23 teams.
Jose Peseiro is expected to take charge against World Cup-bound Mexico on 28 May in Texas, with a match against Ecuador following on 2 June in New Jersey. Nigeria will then play their first two qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, hosting Sierra Leone behind closed doors in Abuja on 9 June in their opening group A game and then facing Mauritius four days later.