Success, they say has many associates. Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has suddenly become the beautiful bride following the team’s performance so far at the ongoing 34th African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. Prior to the team’s departure for the Nations Cup, Peseiro was the most abused football tactician on earth. While some Nigerians called him a ‘scam’, others simply tagged him a failed coach. The reasons for the insults was as a result of the team’s ‘wobbling and fumbling’ performances in international matches, including some friendly games. It got to a stage, when some Nigerians told the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to do away with Peseiro after his contract expired.
But the coach kept his cool, even accepted a pay-cut just to secure his job so as to prove his ‘many enemies’ wrong. Like a General going to a battle field with untrusted group of military personnel, Peseiro landed in Cote d’Ivoire with the Super Eagles ranked outside the favourites for the AFCON title. In just two weeks, things have turned around for the Super Eagles, and Nigerians, both home and abroad now sing praises of the once ‘rejected’ coach Peseiro. Now, all the ‘big’ teams, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Cameroon, Algeria and Ghana are watching the AFCON from home, but Peseiro and his boys battle on.
Many Nigerians are still in celebration mood over the 1-0 victory against Angola in the quarterfinal on Friday. Those who expressed their joy on radio sports programmes monitored in Lagos, yesterday, now see Peseiro as the new Messiah. “We are celebrating the Super Eagles, and in particular, coach Jose Peseiro for the wonderful job so far,” Ade Shittu said. Another fan, Stella Esenohor, said: “I am in love with this Super Eagles right now.
Their coach is wonderful. I pray they win the trophy.” On his part, Peseiro eulogised his players for working hard to achieve victory against Angola. “We played a good game, Angola showed they deserved to be here. I’m very happy with my players. My team did well against a good team. We controlled the game and dominated our opponent. We played well, closed down the spaces and didn’t give them room to operate. I’m happy for my players, we deserved to win the game. I want to congratulate them on this victory,” Peseiro stated.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, applauded the Super Eagles for the victory against Angola. Akpabio, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the crucial encounter, told journalists after the match that he was excited about the victory, adding that the Super Eagles had shown that they were unstoppable. Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has praised the resilience, tenacity and the team spirit displayed by the Super Eagles in overcoming their opponents. He urged the team to do Nigeria proud by qualifying for the finals of the African football showpiece.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to our beloved Super Eagles on their impressive triumph over Angola, securing a well-deserved spot in the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations. “The team’s extraordinary display of skill, tenacity, and teamwork has made our nation proud. This victory is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and I commend every player and member of the coaching staff for their exceptional performance. “As a state, we stand firmly behind our national team and will continue to support them as they strive for further success,” the Governor stated
