According to sources inside the Super Eagles camp, a lot of players are considering retirement after the 2023 AFCON final defeat to Cote d’Ivoire last night.
Nigeria fell behind in the second half after leading at half-time, thanks to captain William Troost-Ekong’s headed goal but Franck Kessie leveled with a header before Sebastian Haller poked home the winner.
It is however understood that some of them are due for retirement and should make an announcement in the coming days.
However, there could be some surprising names too.
The source, however, noted, “This is the time for the NFF to engage the players and create the atmosphere that they are loved and the AFCON setback is not the end of life, we can continue working and win in 2025”.
Jose Peseiro’s contract also ends with the AFCON with many suggesting that the Portuguese tactician’s contract be extended for leading the Super Eagles in memorable top-flight games in the just-concluded tournament as host Ivory Coast beat Nigeria to emerge as 2013 AFCON champions with a 2-1 victory on Sunday.
Adepoju Tobi, an accredited FIFA, and CAF photojournalist, suggests that Peseiro should get a contract extension, this time a long-term contract that will show a sign of respect for the manager. For a two-year contract that will cover the 2025 AFCON and 2026 World Cup (qualifiers and tournaments), clauses of termination should be based on performance and results.
