By Francis Ajuonuma
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed the appointment of Portuguese tactician, Jose Peseiro as the new manager of the Super Eagles.

In a communique issued yesterday by NFF Director of communication, Ademola Olajire at the end of the Executive Committee meeting held through virtual means, it noted that Peseiro’s appointment was unanimously approved a careful consideration.

The Portuguese, who is leaving his role as the coach of the Venezuelan national team due to unpaid wages, replaces Rohr, sacked earlier this month after more than five years in charge as the Super Eagles.

“After careful consideration of a memo presented by Chairman of the Technical and Development Sub-Committee Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, the Executive Committee endorsed a proposal for the appointment of Mr Jose Peseiro as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles,” reads the communique signed by Olajire.

The Committee, however, resolved that Augustine Eguavoen, who was named the interim manager will lead the Super Eagles to the AFCON 2021 in Cameroon with Peseiro only playing the role of Observer.

The Executive Committee members agreed that the AFCON will serve as a good avenue for Mr Peseiro to launch a working relationship with Mr Eguavoen, who will revert to his role as Technical Director (hence Mr Peseiro’s immediate boss) after the AFCON.

Eguavoen was appointed as the interim boss and has already named a 28-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts on January 9 in Cameroon.

But as stated in the memo released by NFF, the former Gent defender would leave his role after the competition, with Peseiro taking full charge.

Peseiro’s first mission as the Super Eagles boss is to ensure the team qualifies for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, even though he will be with the team during the AFCON.

The Portuguese tactician takes over as Nigeria’s coach after leaving his role as the coach of the Venezuelan national team due to unpaid wages.

Appointments: I had to wait, take my time, says Obaseki

He began his coaching career at União Santarém before spells at União Montemor, Oriental and Nacional. The 61-year-old also served as Carlos Quieroz assistant at Real Madrid between 2003-2004.

Peseiro has also had the opportunity of managing three of Portugal’s biggest clubs in Porto, Sporting Lisbon and Braga.