While Peseiro has overseen a respectable start to Nigeria’s AFCON qualifying campaign – including three wins out of four and the country’s biggest victory (0-10 away at Sao Tome and Principe) – it hasn’t all been plain sailing for the manager. His team bowed out of the African Nations Cup on penalties to Ghana and he has also presided over a shock 1-0 home defeat to Guinea-Bissau in the AFCON qualifiers, as well as five successive friendly losses.
So while his job looks secure for the time being, a poor showing in next year’s AFCON tournament (or even worse, a failure to qualify for the competition altogether), could see him replaced. Gambling enthusiasts who like to visit Sportsbet in Nigeria may already have been eyeing potential candidates to fill his shoes… so we’ve taken a look at the prime suspects below.
Augustine Eguavoen
Peseiro replaced caretaker manager Augustine Eguavoen after the latter’s failure to qualify for the World Cup last winter. However, Eguavoen’s side had been playing with verve and tenacity in the run-up to that disappointment and were extremely lucky to miss out via the away goals rule, having drawn both of their matches against Ghana. He has been involved with the national side in an on-off capacity for many years and his overall track record in the dugout is respectable if unremarkable. However, few would bet against him taking the reins from Peseiro once again, at least until a longer-term replacement could be found.
Finidi George
Another member of Nigeria’s Golden Generation of players, Finidi George has not concealed his ambition to one day manage the Super Eagles. He is currently pursuing that dream through his stewardship of sleeping giants Enyimba and has overseen their qualification for the Super Six this season. The former Ajax, Betis and Ipswich Town midfielder had a glittering career on the pitch and has a real connection with the fans, meaning he could be just the man to inspire Nigeria to glory on the international stage. However, he will likely have to win a trophy or two on the domestic scene before he can be seriously considered.
Harry Redknapp
Prior to Peseiro’s appointment, some of the more surprising names to be linked with the managerial vacancy included Jose Mourinho and Harry Redknapp. While the former’s stock has once again risen after two respectable campaigns with AS Roma, the latter has remained out of work since parting company with Birmingham in 2017. At 76 years old, there are suggestions that Redknapp may be too old for the high-pressure environment of football management, but his motivational skills, extensive experience and ability to create a team that’s more than the sum of its parts could make him worthy of consideration.
Jose Peseiro remains the Nigerian national coach for now, but there are plenty of candidates to take his place should he fall out of favour.
