Izuchukwu Okosi
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Following the decision of the Nigeria Football Federation to retain Austin Eguavoen as the interim coach of the Super Eagles as well as have him remain the Technical Director of the Federation, NFF president Amaju Pinnick has unequivocally revealed that Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro is free to walk away from negotiations with the Federation.
Peseiro was named Super Eagles’ substantive head following the sacking of Gernot Rohr in December 2021.
The former Venezuela coach was expected to take charge of the team after the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
However, the NFF announced on Monday that Augustine Eguavoen will continue as the interim coach of the Super Eagles, with Emmanuel Amuneke as his assistant.
Pinnick confirmed that the NFF is yet to seal a deal with Peseiro and discussions over a contract has stalled because of circumstances.
While speaking on Channels TV, Pinnick said: “I am still talking to him (Peseiro), maybe he has to wait till after the World Cup qualifiers (vs Ghana).
“If in the course of his waiting, he got another job, we wish him well.
“The good news is that we did not sign the contract officially. We don’t want to rush and make a hasty decision considering the circumstances.
“We have to do what is best for the nation. And we work in harmony with the sports ministry, which represents the government.”
Eguavoen and Amuneke will lead the Super Eagles against Black Stars of Ghana in a 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff next month.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
