By Amaechi Agbo

Portuguese Coach, Jose Pesiero has refused to renew his contract with Super Eagles as head coach, this calling it quit with the three-time Africa champions.

Peseiro who spent almost two years with the team guided the Super Eagles to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON final where they lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast.

The Portuguese announced his departure from the team on his social media handles.

He expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF and the players for the “privilege” given to him to manage the team.

“Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF. It was a pride and honor to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfillment.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Sir Amaju Pinnick (the president who signed us), President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF, all the Staff, and especially all the PLAYERS, with whom leading has been a great pleasure.

“Guys, we are thankful; it has been a privilege to be part of this family. We will miss you, but we will always be there for you, no matter where you are. A big hug to all of you,” he said.

It is not clear why Pesiero refused to renew his contract with the NFF despite rumours but the 63 years old is understood to be in discussion with Algeria FA.

Nigeria Football Federation is yet to issue a statement on Pesiero’s position.

Following their second place AFCON finish, Peseiro was, alongside the members of the squad, conferred with the national award of the Members of the Order of Niger (MON) and were also gifted plots of land and flats in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by President Bola Tinubu.