The former coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro says he is still in touch with players of the team and they are open to his possible return as coach of the team, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Peseiro left the team following the expiration of his contract as coach in February, turning down the option of staying for another two years after meeting the target of getting to at least the semi final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
He led Nigeria to the final, where they were beaten 0-1 by the host Cote d’Ivoire. One of his assistants Finidi George was picked as his substantive replacement, but he only lasted two games before he threw in the towel citing disrespect by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after a 1-1 draw against South Africa and a 1-2 loss to Benin Republic in the world cup qualifiers.
Bruno Labbadia was announced by the NFF as his replacement but a few days later , the German turned down the job following a breakdown in talks over the payment of his taxes, leaving the NFF to turn to their technical director Austine Eguavoen to lead the team in the AFCON qualifiers in interim capacity.
There is still no decision on keeping Eguavoen permanent in the role, but he could remain till after the AFCON qualifiers back to back games against Libya in October.
Speaking to the media at the coaching symposium organized by CAF, Peseiro revealed that he is still in touch with players of the team and most of them want him back , but he has made his mind up on moving on to another chapter of his career.
” My players obviously miss me and I miss them. Some of them tell me they want me back as coach but that chapter is closed for me”, the coach said before explaining the reason why he quit the role.
“I don’t know, I think it was one moment I liked, but I decided, when I started the AFCON, that when I finished my contract, I would leave. I decided at that moment.”
“Because, yes, I put too much effort into my job. Too much stress. Okay, but I gave my all, along with my staff and the players. The players were the best part, but I think it was enough.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
