Peseiro explains why win v  Bafana Bafana was most exciting game as Nigeria coach; eyes World Cup team

Jose Peseiro has admitted that the Super Eagles' semifinal clash with South Africa at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was the most exciting game during his watch as the coach of the three-time African champions.

William Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria the lead in the clash but a goal at the stroke of the normal regulation time from Teboho Mokoena via the penalty spot ensured the game dragged to extra time.

With no winner at the end of the 30 minutes of the extra time, Nigeria had to do it the hard way, by eventually getting past Bafana Bafana through penalties to get the final of AFCON for the first time since 2013.

They would miss out on the holy grail to Ivory Coast in the final but is it not surprising to see Peseiro come out to admit that the game against South African was the most exhilarating during his reign as the coach of the West African nation.

Speaking to Sportitalia, the Portuguese tactician also revealed the reason behind his choice.

"It was the most exciting yes, because it allowed us to play in the AFCON final, but we had a lot of really good moments during our time with the Super Eagles."

The former Real Madrid coach resigned from his position last month and is unattached to any side at the moment.

Asked about whether he would prefer to manage another national team or a club for his next job, the 63-year-old stressed that his options are open but would like to lead a team at the 2026 World Cup. 

"This was the third national team we have coached, after Saudi Arabia and Venezuela and I would certainly like to be able to qualify and play with a team in the next World Cup, but every possibility is open because it would be equally exciting to coach a club team with winning objectives."

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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