Minister of sports breaks silence on Peseiro’s future with the Super Eagles

Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, has provided the public with an update regarding the situation with the Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro, who is currently under criticism.

Peseiro has faced criticism for steering the team to a miserable start in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for 2026, following their draws with low-ranked opponents Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Enoh confirmed that he met with the NFF to discuss the recent poor performance of the Super Eagles.

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“I’m happy to inform you that I met with the NFF President, General Secretary, and Technical Department yesterday or two days ago to discuss the Super Eagles’ poor performance in recent games,” he stated.

“What we came to is that, as you are aware, I had to ask that the coach be called, and I believe that the coach and NFF chieftains will meet at some point next week.

“That’s all an attempt to react to how these matches, particularly the World Cup qualifying games, turned out.”

The Minister disclosed that following the 2024 Nations Cup, a decision will be made regarding Peseiro’s future.

“As a Minister, I am deeply concerned about the national team’s recent performance, but AFCON is quickly approaching, and Peseiro’s contract is dependent on the success of the Super Eagles at the football fiesta,” he stated.

“As a minister, I am worried that the national team of Nigeria is not living up to our standards. Because AFCON is so close, we must exercise caution when making decisions. However, the upcoming World Cup qualification rounds—the next game is in June—give us some information with which to make decisions moving forward.

“AFCON is scheduled to begin on January 14th. For instance, are we going to ask to have the Nigerian coach fired? The response is as good as mine, really.

“I’ve learned that there are feelings and passions in this industry. You do not answer where I am leading and where you are seated. You are aware that emotions and passions do not motivate you. No, take your time, said Eno.

On Tuesday, John Eno celebrated one year in his role as Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development.

The Super Eagles have been placed in Group A of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, alongside the hosts, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria plays its first game on January 14 against Equatorial Guinea, and then four days later, it plays Ivory Coast.