The Nigerian government and football stakeholders are advocating for a domestic coach to take over the reins of the national team. This development comes in the wake of the expiration of Jose Peseiro’s contract on February 29.
Negotiations for an extension between Peseiro and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were underway. However, the federation declined to offer the 63-year-old the $120,000-per-month contract he requested. Prior to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Peseiro had signed a short-term deal worth $50,000 a month.
According to Prime 9ja Online, top officials are now favouring ex-international, Emmanuel Amunike, as Peseiro's successor. Amunike is reported to have met with government and football stakeholders to discuss the possibility.
The push for a domestic coach to take over from Peseiro is also being championed by ex-internationals, with Amunike emerging as their preferred candidate. This move signifies a shift towards domestic leadership for the national team and underscores the confidence in the capabilities of homegrown talent.