Jose Peseiro: Nigeria head coach departs as contract ends

Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro says it has been “a privilege” to be part of the Super Eagles “family” after announcing his departure at the end of his contract.

There had been heavy speculation over the future of the Portuguese after he exceeded expectations by leading his side to last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final, where they lost to hosts Ivory Coast.

Writing on X,, external he said “It was a pride and honour to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm.

“We feel a sense of fulfilment.”

The 63-year-old also thanked members of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and his players, saying that it had been “a great pleasure” to lead them, before offering “a big hug to all”.

The former Porto and Al Ahly boss, who also had spells in charge of Venezuela and Saudi Arabia, was named as Nigeria’s head coach in September 2021, although he did not formally take charge until May 2022 because of a disagreement over his contract.

Issues around salary were not uncommon during his time in the hot seat, with Peseiro agreeing to take a pay cut in September last year in order to allow him to stay on and lead the Super Eagles at the Nations Cup.

With the NFF openly admitting to facing financial challenges, Peseiro’s departure at the end of his contract has not come as a surprise.

But with Nigeria having made a disappointing start to their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, finding a replacement will be the federation’s next challenge.