'He's a genius in football' - Peseiro responds to Jose Mourinho backing Super Eagles to win AFCON final 

Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro has responded to comments made by Jose Mourinho before the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, in which he showed his support for his compatriot and Super Eagles to win the competition for a fourth time. 

On Rio Ferdinand's 'FIVE' podcast, Mourinho revealed that he was supporting the Super Eagles because his best friend in football, Jose Peseiro was coaching a team in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Mourinho added that Peseiro grew up with him, they studied together, went to the university the same day and spent five years together everyday. 

The three-time Premier League winner with Chelsea concluded by saying that he was backing Peseiro to win the Africa Cup of Nations and make history as the first Portuguese manager to win the competition. 

Mourinho worked with two members of the Super Eagles AFCON squad in the shape of Kenneth Omeruo and Ola Aina during his time as Chelsea coach. 

When asked to comment on the statements made by Mourinho, Peseiro told reporters ahead of kickoff of the AFCON final: "Of course I spoke with him, I speak with him many times.

"I am his friend, he's a genius in football. I am happy because he supports me. He's my friend, it's good for us."

The Super Eagles, who were beaten 2-1 by Ivory Coast in Sunday's final,  will leave Pullman Hotel to the airport at 1300 hours and their departure from Abidjan to Abuja is at 1445 hours. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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