The Portuguese tactician was under immense pressure after guiding the three-time African champions to two disappointing results in November
Former Super Eagles midfielder Duke Woody has called on the Nigeria Football Federation to withdraw the idea of sacking head coach Jose Peseiro, Soccernet.ng reported.
After his impressive performance for the Super Eagles in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Peseiro once again faced criticism.
Nigeria faced Lesotho, who had never played in the African Cup of Nations, in the first round in Uyo, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
A few days later, the Super Eagles were drawn again 1-1 with Zimbabwe in Rwanda, having only picked up two points from their first two games.
The former African champions’ failure to achieve promotion under Peseiro has prompted calls from fans and analysts for the NFF to relieve the former FC Porto coach of his national team duties.
However, Duke Woody does not support Peseiro’s sacking as the former Slovakia Bratislava midfielder insists the result was not terrible.
However, the four-time Nigeria international has tasked his coaching team to ensure that all departments of the team work together to ensure success at AFCON in January.
The 47-year-old said, according to The Nation: “If one department doesn’t work, it’s a team problem because everyone has to work together.” “It’s too early to fire a coach just because we drew two games. He didn’t lose.
“We are on track for both competitions (World Cup and Nations Cup). Anything can happen in Ivory Coast.”
Nigeria is aiming for its fourth title at the continental championships, which begin on January 13 in Ivory Coast.
The Super Eagles last won the AFCON title in South Africa in 2013, and also had stellar performances on home soil in 1994 and 1980.
