Sports

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

Published

2 years ago

June 24, 2023

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.

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.”

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.

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,”

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.”.

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.”

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.

“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.”

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.

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

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

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

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

VANGUARD

Sports

Full List: UEFA Fine Chelsea, Barcelona, Three Others For Breaking Financial Rules

Published

2 days ago

July 4, 2025

Editor

Chelsea, Barcelona and Aston Villa were among several clubs fined by UEFA on Friday for breaching European football’s financial sustainability requirements.

UEFA said the clubs had not complied with its football earnings rule. Chelsea and Villa were also penalised for breaching the squad cost rule.

Chelsea were ordered to pay a fine of 31 million euros ($36.5 million) for the two breaches. They could have to pay an additional 60 million euros if they fail to comply by the end of a four-year period as part of a settlement agreement.

The Blues have spent the most money of any club in Europe since a consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly bought the Premier League giants in 2022.

Barcelona incurred a fine of 15 million euros, with a further 45 million euros conditional on a two-year settlement agreement.

Villa must pay 11 million euros and risk a further fine of 15 million euros if they breach the terms of their three-year deal.

French club Lyon have agreed to be excluded from European competition if their relegation to Ligue 2 on financial grounds is confirmed. They were also fined 12.5 million euros.

Full list of clubs hit by UEFA fine and amount
Chelsea: 20M€

Barcelona: 15M€

Lyon: 12.5M€

Aston Villa: 11M€

Roma: 3M€

Sports

Liverpool, Football World Mourn Diogo Jota As Tributes Pour In

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

Tributes have continued to pour in following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain.

Liverpool Football Club, in an official statement on Thursday, expressed profound grief at the news of the 28-year-old’s passing.

“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club said. “The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.”

The Merseyside club requested privacy for the grieving family, adding, “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

Clubs across the English Premier League also joined in mourning the Portugal international.

Chelsea Football Club shared its condolences on social media, stating, “Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time.”

Manchester City also issued a heartfelt message, stating, “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

Newcastle United added, “We are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences are with Diogo’s young family, friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

The Professional Footballers’ Association, said, “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, loved ones, and Diogo’s teammates and friends at Liverpool FC. He was a loving father with a young family and a remarkable talent, hugely respected across the game. This is an unimaginable loss, and both will be greatly missed.”

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea also reacted to the news, writing simply on social media, adding, “Sometimes life is very cruel.”

The tragic passing of Jota and his brother has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, with tributes continuing to flow in for the two brothers remembered for their talent, humility, and dedication to the sport.

Sports

5 ‘Big’ Recent Events Diogo Jota Had Before His Death

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

The global football community is united in grief following the devastating news of Diogo Jota’s passing.

The Liverpool and Portugal forward, 28 years old, died this morning in a car accident in Spain.

His untimely death has cast a somber shadow over the sport, coming just weeks after a period of immense personal joy and professional triumph that showcased his burgeoning talent and cherished connections.

Jota’s recent life was marked by a series of significant milestones that underscored his growing stature in both club and international football.

5 Major Recent Milestones for Jota

UEFA Nations League Final Win

Just weeks before his passing, in early June 2025, Jota was a pivotal member of the Portugal squad that triumphed in the UEFA Nations League, beating Spain in the final. This marked a significant international achievement for the talented forward.

Premier League Champion

In April 2025, Jota played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League title victory. His contributions were vital in securing the coveted domestic league title for the Reds.

100th Liverpool Start Milestone

In late 2024 (specifically, October 5, 2024), Jota marked his 100th start for Liverpool across all competitions. He celebrated this milestone by scoring a goal against Crystal Palace, highlighting his consistent impact for the club.

Marriage to Rute Cardoso

On June 22, 2025, just ten days before his tragic death, Diogo Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso. This publicly celebrated event was a joyful personal milestone, shared with their three children.

Continues Playing and Streaming (FIFA eSports)

Jota remained highly active both on the football pitch and in the world of competitive gaming. He was known for his elite FIFA (now EA FC) skills, even achieving a world No. 1 ranking, and ran his own esports organization, Luna Galaxy. His engagement in streaming provided a unique connection with fans and showcased his diverse talents beyond professional football.