Jose Peseiro, the Portuguese manager, has confirmed his departure as coach of the Super Eagles, after his contract expired on Thursday.
Peseiro, who led the Eagles to second place in the 2023 African Cup of Nations, said on Friday that coaching the West African nation has fulfilled him.
"We finished our contract with the NFF yesterday. It was an honor and privilege to coach the Super Eagles. It’s been 22 months of incredible dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enthusiasm. We experience a sense of fulfillment.
"We would want to show our appreciation to Sir Amaju Pinnick (the president who signed us), President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF, all of the staff, and, most importantly, all of the PLAYERS, with whom leadership has been a pleasure.
"We are grateful, guys; it has been an honor to be a member of this family. We shall miss you, but we will always be there for you, wherever you are. “A big hug to everyone,” the former Porto boss posted on X.
Peseiro’s exit brings to an end a turbulent relationship with the three-time African champions.
Despite qualifying for Ivory Coast, the Portuguese’ future was questionable after drawing their first two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
The 63-year-old, on the other hand, signed a six-month deal that would expire at the end of AFCON, with the critical condition of reaching the showpiece semifinals. He surpassed his goal, losing 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
The Nigeria Football Federation was claimed to be in the process of negotiating a new contract, though Peseiro admitted to having interest from seven different national teams. Algeria, one among the nations rumored to be interested in the Portuguese, named Bosnian Vladimir Petkovic as its head coach on Thursday.
Since he was hired, Peseiro has overseen 22 games, winning 11, losing seven, and drawing four.
The NFF must now select a replacement before the next international free transfer window, which begins on March 18.