OFFICIAL: AFCON boss confirms exit from African giants

A 2023 Africa Cup of Nations boss has now confirmed he will no longer be managing the continental giants. 

After a memorable AFCON campaign that saw them reach the final, in which they suffered a 2-1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast, Jose Peseiro has announced that he will no longer be taking charge of the Nigeria national team.

Read: 'Osimhen wants to join Premier League giants' 

"Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF. It was a pride and honour to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfilment," he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). 

"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."

The Portuguese tactician first took on the role in May 2022, and guided the Super Eagles to an impressive campaign in the Ivory Coast despite heading into the competition on the back of some underwhelming performances. 

Stand A Chance To Win A Marriott Bonvoy x Orlando Pirates VIP Derby Experience!

With his contract having expired on Thursday, reports had suggested that Peseiro was in discussions to become Algeria's new head coach.

That country's football federation, however, opted to appoint Bosnian coach Vladimir Petkovic instead. 

The NFF are also believed to have begun discussions with the former Sporting CP manager over a potential extension before he made his final decision. 

Speaking to GOAL, the 63-year-old admitted that he has options in terms of where he ends up next. 

"I received a lot of options, a lot of contacts from national teams or clubs. I would say five, six or seven," he revealed. 

“I let them all know that I need to rest and that when my contract expires I will talk about it and start thinking about other projects and decide my future." 

Read: CAF CL club chief: Tau is Ahly's most dangerous player 

Peseiro's decision also comes just days after the Cameroonian Football Federation confirmed that it would be parting ways with Rigobert Song, who spent two years at the helm, adding that they would be announcing the details of the recruitment process for a new Indomitable Lions coaching staff in the coming days.