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

A very good coach!
It will take another 20 years to have another one or one better than him.

Some Nigerians are too backward in thinking.

No, he should stay the f u c k out!

Over to Nairaland Parliament...

LIKE =Peseiro should Stay
SHARE =Peseiro should Go



&the LIKES have it!
- Peseiro Stays.

He should be retain but he needs to change his defensive tactics to attacking football.

His defensive technique cost us to lose the final. We need free flow of football not hypertensive show of shame.

Herkim:
He should be retain but he needs to change his defensive tactics to attacking football.

His defensive technique cost us to lose the final. We need free flow of football not hypertensive show of shame.

Can he really change

Cos this one Mourinho promax

See..we are no longer in the era of tikitaka.. all we need is you keep winning anyhow you do it.. this is Best outing we've had in 11 years if iam correct.. he should scout for a creative midfielder before the qualifiers.. either from our league or anywhere and keep working with this team.. the boys understood him already. Arsenal have not won any major trophy with thier useless tikitaka while Chelsea has two champions league with thier direct play. Let's continue with him

Me I still believe that 2024 Afcon final match was fixed...
As in super eagles were settled out of champion ..

Cos I don't know what wentvwrong with the super eagles who just reluctantly dashed the little joy Nigerians had suddenly

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

The Coach tried for me.....But i no understand wetin happen to him on that final....

Ivory coast really over played us...

He should be shown the way out,The era of kick and follow or route one football is over.How can u be playing same tactics of longball from defense to attack,by passing ur midfielders.Football has passed such stage.

Ok

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

You won't win shishi.

He aren't going no where

Felimax:
A very good coach!
It will take another 20 years to have another one or one better than him.

Some Nigerians are too backward in thinking.

since you are forward thinking, how is Peseiro a very good coach?

why and how will it take Nigeria another 20years to have another coach better than him?

Capital NO

NO, he should be fired ASAP. Imagine the negative, ambitionless football we played with all the attacking talent in the squad. This score one and defend, then hope for a counter attack goal strategy belongs in the 20th century.

Meti99:
Me I still believe that 2024 Afcon final match was fixed...
As in super eagles were settled out of champion ..

Cos I don't know what wentvwrong with the super eagles who just reluctantly dashed the little joy Nigerians had suddenly

it was destiny.. when it ur Time every forces would work in your Favour. Just look at how they got to the finals

He should go. He is the only reason we lost that game. His style is that of Mourinho and with that, we will never survive any attack minded team. We were so lucky to scale pass SA.

Defensive game is outdated. The modern football is massive attack, massive defense.

Some people are blaming Iwobi, while he didn't perform so well in that game, he literally had no one to pass to because all men dey back. With massive attack, any attacking midfielder will excel because he will easily see who to pass to.

Pasiero should simply go. As a staunch supporter of mourinho he will never change his tactic. He should go, he has done his bit.

Meti99:
Me I still believe that 2024 Afcon final match was fixed...
As in super eagles were settled out of champion ..

Cos I don't know what wentvwrong with the super eagles who just reluctantly dashed the little joy Nigerians had suddenly

how was the final match fixed?

how do you mean you dont know what went wrong?

what did Peseiro and his do in previous games that they did differently in the final?

lexy2014:


since you are forward thinking, how is Peseiro a very good coach?

why and how will it take Nigeria another 20years to have another coach better than him?

which coach don carry u enter final since 2013?

elpochas:
He should be shown the way out,The era of kick and follow or route one football is over.How can u be playing same tactics of longball from defense to attack,bt passing ur midfielders.Football has passed such stage.

how many play styles do you know in football? Let's start from here.. let's see if you are smart

His contract target was semifinal and he surpassed it. He deserves an extension.
He only needs to scout for a better attacking midfielder like Okocha/Mikel who can dictate the tempo of a game. We sourly lack one. He would also need new full backs. With these little tweaks I believe we're good to go.

He should go. We need indigenous coach that understands our football ethos and values. Not like all these foreign coaches that would be smiling and giving flimsy excuses for disastrous and very embarrassing outing like the AFCON Final on Sunday.

Yes. Keep him alongside George Finidi and co.

He made some mistakes but for a rookie on the crazy African football scene, he did well. Let the NFF have a review and lessons learned session with the coaching crew and technical committee and come up with plans to address shortcomings noticed during the tournament.

For a team that people had little expectation of at the start of the competition, they did very well and made Nigerians proud. Doing one or two things differently would have landed Nigeria the trophy. We should build on this.

If he appears incapable of adapting and learning from his mistakes, based on our next 5 matches, then George Finidi should replace him down the line.

He should stay. He exceeded the target given to him by taking us to the final. He doesn't deserve to be treated harshly like they treated Rhor who got sacked after ensuring we qualified for AFCON 2021 and the world Cup playoffs by winning the group tables only to get sacked just because he is not playing free flowing attacking football.

Seagodess:
which coach don carry u enter final since 2013?

that is not what I asked. you did not answer my questions.

1. since you are forward thinking, how is Peseiro a very good coach?

2. why and how will it take Nigeria another 20years to have another coach better than him?

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.

Lalasticlala mynd44 mukina2

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

Atleast he has learnt from his mistakes.

Seagodess:
it was destiny.. when it ur Time every forces would work in your Favour. Just look at how they got to the finals

how is it destiny?