Thomaz Oseghale
The tenure of Jose Peseiro as the coach of the Super Eagles has come to an end. After leading the Nigerian national team to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they narrowly lost to Cote d’Ivoire, Peseiro announced his departure on February 29. The opinions regarding his departure were divided, with some believing it was the right time for a change.
Clinton McDubus, a prominent football analyst, believes that parting ways with Peseiro is in the best interest of all parties involved.
McDubus emphasizes that Peseiro had taken the team as far as he could and leaving on a high note is a positive outcome.
Looking ahead to the World Cup qualifiers and the next Africa Cup of Nations, McDubus suggests that it is an opportunity for Nigeria to evaluate their options and move in a better direction.
With Peseiro’s departure, speculations have already begun about who will replace him as the Super Eagles’ coach. McDubus suggests that sentiment should not play a role in the decision-making process.
While there are capable Nigerian coaches, the selection should be based on merit, track record, and a thorough evaluation of the candidates’ work and credentials.
McDubus also raises concerns about potential interference in the coach’s decisions, emphasizing the need for empowerment and autonomy.
In the event that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) decides to hire a foreign coach, McDubus warns about the importance of not only recruitment but also addressing the issue of owed wages that plagued Peseiro’s tenure.
He stresses the need for administrative improvements to avoid recurring problems and unlock Nigeria’s full potential.
As Nigeria looks to the future, the focus should be on finding a coach who can lead the Super Eagles to success in upcoming competitions.
Whether it is a Nigerian tactician or a foreign coach, the priority should be on selecting the right candidate based on merit and providing the necessary support to ensure a successful tenure.
