Super Eagles coach my best friend, I’m standing with Nigeria for AFCON final: Jose Mourinho

In an upcoming episode with FIVE UK, former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho expressed his desire for the Super Eagles of Nigeria to emerge victorious in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Cote d’Ivoire.
Mourinho, who considers Jose Peseiro, the head coach of the Nigerian team, as his “best friend,” shared that their deep connection stems from growing up and attending the same university, where they spent five years side by side.
Mourinho emphasised his support for the Eagles in the AFCON final against the hosts, expressing his wish for Peseiro to become the first Portuguese manager to win the prestigious tournament.
“My best friend in football is in the final. The Nigerian coach is my best friend — he grew up with me,” Mourinho said. “We studied together. We went to the university at the same time. We spent five years together every day. We left at the same time. He is probably my biggest friend in football.”
“Jose, my big friend. It will be a huge opportunity for him to make history. Never has a Portuguese coach won the AFCON,” he added.
The Super Eagles will play the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan by 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Diaspora
Canada-based popular entrepreneur Maryam Muritala dies, Nigerian community mourns
Ms Muritala’s demise has drawn tributes from the Nigerian community in Canada and other groups.

Economy
Stock market gains N652 billion amid sustained buying interest
The gains were driven by NGX Group, Aradel Holdings, Sovereign Trust Insurance, Mc Nicholas, International Breweries and 29 other equities.

Economy
Okonjo-Iweala urges Niger Delta states to establish special economic zones
The WTO chief said the Niger Delta could become Nigeria’s next major industrial hub, alongside Lagos.

Health
Kano govt, partners target 16,000 women as new gender-based violence prevention project takes off
Ms Amina-Abdullahi said the project would address GBV and discrimination against women engaged in agriculture and other economic activities.

Heading 2
Over 300 South Korean workers to sue Trump administration over Georgia immigration raid
About 475 South Koreans were arrested during the raid executed by nearly 500 immigration agents.

Lagos
Lagos assembly passes 2026 appropriation amendment bill
The passage followed consideration of a letter from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu seeking the assembly’s approval to reorder priorities under the 2026 budget.





