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Why Super Eagles Coach, Peseiro’s Contract Should Not Be Renewed’

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The Nigeria Football Federation is in a dilemma over the fate of Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro. Engaged last year on a one-year contract to navigate the team through the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the coach has seen his contract through as it ends this June.

He was promised an extension if he could take Nigeria to Ivory Coast next January and win the AFCON trophy which the Super Eagles last won in 2013 in South Africa under late Coach Stephen Keshi.

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Peseiro has qualified the team for the tournament but for all his effort, Nigerians are still not convinced of his capacity to lead the national team back to its glory days. Jose Peseiro’s reign, as short as it has been, so far, has seen the Super Eagles come under a very bad patch, littered with poor results and indifferent displays. The team struggles in every match, no matter the opposition. Many Nigerians are of the opinion that with the coach in charge, the Eagles cannot get past the quarter-finals of the 24-team AFCON tournament.

Dotun OMISAKIN writing for an online platform, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) spoke the minds of many Nigerians by saying, “Peseiro has performed below par.”

He defended his position. “Peseiro played ten matches; won 4 and lost 6. The coach lost all five friendly matches played by the Super Eagles.”

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No doubt, this is the worst record by Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a single season. The biggest humiliation was the Super Eagles’ 0-1 home loss to Guinea Bissau in Abuja.

READ ALSO: Former Super Eagles Star Graduates At 69, Emerges Best Student

After that match, calls for Peseiro’s sack were loud. Most of the people spoken to, especially sportswriters who covered that match, were of the opinion that Peseiro should go. Some were so bitter that they did not expect the gaffer to spend another day on the job. Veteran journalist, Kunle Solaja told this writer in Abuja, “The team is not consistent as they don’t have a winning habit. The defeat by Guinea Bissau is the fourth in a row. The last time that happened was 42 years ago,”

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However, with the quality squad of individual stars at his disposal, the Portuguese has managed to qualify for the AFCON 2023, with a match to spare. Intriguingly, the qualification has come at the tail end of his contract. Will the Nigeria Football Federation renew his contract or let him go?

Omisakin submitted thus, “The team still depend on the individual brilliance of their top stars like Victor Osimhen to win games.

“Statistically, Peseiro has lost more games than he has won – 6 losses, 4 wins – and the Eagles are still not playing the beautiful football Nigerians crave for, the same reason his predecessor Rohr was booted out.”.

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Renowned journalist and publisher of Score Nigeria, an online platform, Samm Audu wrote “even though he has qualified Nigeria for the 2023 AFCON to be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire in January, he has not done enough to deserve a new deal. The team still depend on the individual brilliance of their top stars like Victor Osimhen to win games.”

READ ALSO: Transfer: Super Eagles Defender, Aina To Quit Torino This Summer

The NFF must have the courage, the steel backbone, to let Peseiro go and bring new energy and ideas for the Eagles to be super again.

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The Super Eagles do not play again till September 4 in Uyo in a final 2023 AFCON Group A match against bottom team Sao Tome and Principe.”

He continued, “This will be a great window of opportunity for a new man to take charge as he will then have good enough time to set up a new team in time for the start of the qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup in November.

Besides the match against Sao Tome, the NFF must ensure they also arrange a second game for the Eagles within that window so that the new coach can fully settle in on the job before the World Cup qualifiers and then the AFCON in the New Year.”

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The major problem confronting the NFF is the 10 months arrears Peseiro is being owed. The Super Eagles coach earns US $70,000 monthly. So, to ask him to go will be a case of NFF shooting itself in the foot. A source at the Glass House told Sports Vanguard that before Peseiro’s appointment, the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare had assured the NFF that the federal government would be responsible for payment of the salary of the incoming coach. This has not been the case since the arrival of Peseiro. “The whole burden has been on the NFF and we have no money to pay such a huge amount,” our usually reliable source said.

It is left to be seen whether the Nigeria Football Federation will, because of the huge debt, renew the coach’s contract or pay him off and let him go.

READ ALSO: Ex-Super Eagles Captain, Mikel Obi Set For Chelsea Return

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Privately, the NFF leadership is not convinced he is the man to lead Nigeria to glory despite his repeated boast that he will win the next AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

A breakdown of the matches played by the Super Eagles under Peseiro:

May 29, 2022 Mexico 2 vs Nigeria 1

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June 3, 2022 Ecuador 1 vs Nigeria 0

June 9, 2022 Nigeria 2 vs Sierra Leone 1

June 13, 2022 Sao Tome and Principe 0 vs Nigeria 10

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Sept 27, 2022 Algeria 2 vs Nigeria 1

Nov 10, 2022 Costa Rica 2 vs Nigeria 0

Nov 1u, 2022 Portugal 4 vs Nigeria 0

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Mar 24, 2023 Nigeria 0 vs Guinea-Bissau 1

Mar 27, 2023 Guinea-Bissau 0 vs Nigeria 1

June18 20023 Sierra Leone 2 vs Nigeria 3

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Sports Commission Boss Commends Team Edo Athletes For Continental Triumph

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The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has congratulated Team Edo athletes who represented Nigeria at recent continental championships and returned home with medals.

He spoke when the athlete led by Team Edo Athletics Head Coach, Mr. Mutiu Oluwa, paid a courtesy visit in his office on Monday.

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The athletes had competed at the 3rd CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championships held at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and the CAA Region II Senior Athletics Championship in Accra, Ghana.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele praised the athletes’ performances, describing their achievements as a reflection of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s strategic investment in sports development.

READ ALSO:NSF: Team Edo Fully Prepared To Succeed, Sports Commission Boss Declares

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The results we are witnessing today are a testament to Governor Okpebholo’s deliberate and strategic efforts to make Edo Nigeria’s hub for sporting excellence,” Enabulele said.

The Governor has consistently mandated us to focus on grassroots sports development — we ‘Catch Them Young.’ Today, we are seeing the fruits of that vision.”

At the Abeokuta championships, Edo athletes shone brightly: Audu Emmanuel (Silver, Shotput), Eze Peace (Bronze, Javelin), Akhalu David (Gold, 4×400m Mixed Relay), Salami Oseiwe (Bronze, 400m), Enaruna Anita (Silver, 400m; Gold, 4×100m, 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed, and 400m Mixed), and Oyibu Success (Silver, 100m; Gold, 200m and 4×100m).

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READ ALSO:Enabulele Congratulates Bendel Insurance For Pre-Season Tournament Performance

The medal haul continued in Accra, with Treasure Omotsivie winning Gold in High Jump (Women), Anita Enaruna clinching Gold in 200m and 4×400m Relay (Women), Chidera Ezeakor claiming Gold in 100m, 200m, and 4×100m Relay (Men), David Akhalu securing Gold in 4×400m Relay (Men), and Prestina Ochonogor (Paris Olympics finalist) taking Gold in Long Jump (Women).

Enabulele described the athletes as “worthy ambassadors of Edo State” whose discipline, commitment, and patriotism continue to inspire hope for the future of sports in Nigeria.

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The athletes had been selected to represent Nigeria in the two major competitions held between July 16–20 in Abeokuta and August 18–19 in Accra, Ghana.

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Enabulele Confident Of Team Edo’s Success At 2025 NYG

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Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has expressed confidence that Team Edo will record an outstanding performance at the 9th National Youth Games (NYG), billed to hold in Asaba, Delta State, from August 26 to September 6, 2025.

Speaking through his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele described the games as a strong platform for nurturing grassroots talent and an opportunity for Edo’s young athletes to shine.

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We are going into this competition with the youngest athletes in the country. For us, it is not about chasing victory at all costs, but ensuring that our young ones use this opportunity as a foundation for development and self-discovery. Edo believes in grassroots identification and talent grooming, and with the full support of our amiable Governor, Monday Okpebholo, we are confident of an impressive outing,” Edoko quoted the Commission Chairman as saying.

READ ALSO: 2025 NYG: Enabulele Charges Edo Coaches On Performance

Team Edo enters the competition with a boost from its strong showing at the South-South zonal eliminations, where it qualified in several ball games. These include female handball, male and female cricket, male baseball, male and female rugby, female football, male and female beach volleyball, female hockey, and female volleyball. The team will also compete in athletics, swimming, acrobatics, board sports, and other events.

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Enabulele further stressed that Edo’s approach to the Games is built on sustainability and youth empowerment rather than quick-fix glory. According to him, “Our initiative is really working. The National Youth Games is more than just winning medals – it is about national unity, exposure for our athletes, and building a strong pipeline for the future. Edo is proud to be leading this charge.”

The 2025 edition of the NYG, themed “We are the Future,” officially kicks off on August 29 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium with a grand opening ceremony featuring top musicians and cultural troupes. The Games will be declared open by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, representing President Bola Tinubu.

Delta State is hosting the Games for the third consecutive time. Over 37 sports will be contested across venues such as the Stephen Keshi Stadium and Indoor Sports Hall, Government House Squash Court, Asaba Sports Club, Anglican Girls Grammar School, and the Commissioners’ Quarters.

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Brazil Names Squad Without Neymar, Vinicius For World Cup Qualifiers [FULL LIST]

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Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti did not recall Neymar and spared Vinicius Junior for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia next month, with Lucas Paqueta returning to the national team.

The 33-year-old Neymar, who returned to Santos in January, has not worn the Brazil jersey for nearly two years due to repeated injuries.

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Neymar had a small problem last week,” Ancelotti told a press conference on Monday, without providing further details.

According to the Brazilian press, Brazil’s leading all-time scorer with 79 goals in 128 matches, has experienced thigh discomfort during training.

READ ALSO:Again, Russia Claims Another Village In Ukraine’s Region

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His absence from the squad for the final two World Cup qualifying matches was, however, played down by Ancelotti with the five-time champions having already booked their ticket to next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Neymar, we don’t need to test him. Everyone knows him. Like the others, he must arrive in good physical condition to help the national team give its best at the World Cup,” said the Italian coach.

Neymar had been called up by Ancelotti’s predecessor Dorival Junior for matches in March — a 2-1 victory against Colombia and a 4-1 defeat to Argentina — but was forced to withdraw due to a thigh injury.

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In the first two matches under the Italian’s guidance in June, Brazil drew 0-0 in Ecuador before beating Paraguay 1-0, thanks to a goal from Vinicius to seal their place in the 2026 World Cup.

READ ALSO:Ancelotti Tells Neymar To Prepare Well For World Cup

The Real Madrid striker will be absent from the next training camp. Suspended for the match against Chile on September 5 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazil staff preferred to spare him the trip to play at altitude in Bolivia on September 9.

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Paqueta, meanwhile, is returning after being cleared of betting charges by an independent commission of the Premier League last month.

The West Ham midfielder had been absent from the national team since November 2024.

Also returning is Joao Pedro, who has been in great form since joining Chelsea in July.

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The 23-year-old centre-forward shone in July at the Club World Cup, scoring both goals that eliminated Fluminense, his youth club, in the semi-finals, and the third in the 3-0 victory in the final against Paris Saint-Germain.

READ ALSO:Brazil Star, Neymar Tests Positive For COVID-19

Brazil squad:

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Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool/ENG), Bento (Al-Nassr/KSA), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)

Defenders: Alexsandro (Lille/FRA), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco/FRA), Douglas Santos (Zenith St-Petersburg/RUS), Fabricio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal/ENG), Marquinhos (PSG/FRA), Vanderson (Monaco/FRA), Wesley (Roma/ITA)

Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea/ENG), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle/ENG), Casemiro (Manchester United/ENG), Joelinton (Newcastle/ENG), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham/ENG)

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Forwards: Estevao (Chelsea/ENG), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal/ENG), Joao Pedro (Chelsea/ENG), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luis Henrique (Zenith St-Petersburg/RUS), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United/ENG), Raphinha (Barcelona/ESP), Richarlison (Tottenham/ENG)

AFP

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