Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, remains unaffected by the criticisms directed at him by football fans ahead of the 2023 AFCON quater-final clash vs Angola .
Despite facing scrutiny since assuming the role two years ago, Peseiro has steered the team to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
During his tenure, the Super Eagles struggled against seemingly easy opponents, leading to doubts about Peseiro’s ability to inspire confidence in the team. However, the ongoing AFCON has seen an improvement in the team’s performance, winning three out of four games and conceding just one goal.
Despite this progress, some fans continue to express dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, and the pressure could intensify if Nigeria fails to overcome Angola in the upcoming quarter-finals on Friday.
Nevertheless, Peseiro remains resolute and unfazed by the ongoing criticisms. In a statement to the press, the 63-year-old coach expressed his indifference, citing his extensive experience and a resilient mindset.
“If it was 20 years ago, it’s possible that fans’ influence would affect me. But at this moment of my career, 63 years old, I’ve taken too much vaccine for good. But it is both ways- whether the comments are bad or good- the key point is to keep the balance. No coach deserves everybody to speak well about him like a god or a Superman,” Peseiro remarked.
With Nigeria currently considered favorites at the AFCON, Peseiro has guided the team to the quarter-finals, facing Angola as the underdogs on paper. The coach believes in maintaining a balance amid the varying comments and understands that success on the field, particularly winning the competition, could silence many of his critics. The Super Eagles have an opportunity to advance to the semi-finals, providing Peseiro with a chance to prove his coaching prowess on the continental stage.
