Jose Peseiro has left his position as the head coach of the Nigeria national team, Super Eagles, following the expiration of his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF. It was a pride and honour to coach the Super Eagles,” Peseiro said in a statement posted on X on Friday. 

The Portuguese added, “It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfilment.”

Peseiro’s initial contract with the NFF ended last year just before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. However, he agreed on an extension till the end of the tournament after reducing his salary from $70,000 to $50,000.

With an AFCON semi-final target as the term for another extension after the tournament, Peseiro led Nigeria to the tournament’s final in which the Super Eagles lost 2-1 to the host nation Ivory Coast last month.

Despite meeting the target, Peseiro and the NFF have decided to part ways.

Peseiro further stated, “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.”