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Nigeria should have retained Jose Peseiro for World Cup Qualifiers – Ex-Super Eagles star Taye Taiwo
Former Super Eagles left-back, Taye Taiwo (pictured above), has expressed regret over the exit of Jose Peseiro, arguing that the Portuguese coach should have been kept to steer Nigeria through the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Peseiro stepped down after leading the Super Eagles to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast. Although the 65-year-old cited emotional and physical exhaustion, he had also hinted at a desire to remain with the squad and win silverware.
In an interview with Sporty TV, Taiwo asserted that retaining Peseiro would have significantly boosted Nigeria’s World Cup hopes due to the strong bond he had with the players.
“If Nigeria had left the coach (Peseiro) who led us to the Nations Cup, even though we lost to the Ivory Coast,” Taiwo said, “If they had left the coach, they would have qualified for the World Cup, because the players are always out for him; they work very hard. Throughout the whole competition, we may not have played good games, but we made it to the finals.”
Nigeria should have retained Jose Peseiro for World Cup Qualifiers – Ex-Super Eagles star Taye Taiwo
Reflecting on his own tenure with the national team, the former Olympique Marseille defender emphasized the critical importance of communication and stern discipline among players, especially in the defensive unit.
“As the defenders, we talk to ourselves and roast ourselves because we don’t want to concede goals,” Taiwo continued.
“We always talk to each other. If someone makes a mistake, we will have to shout at them. You can’t allow these types of mistakes.” He added that even after a mistake, they would offer encouragement, telling the player to do better next time.
Taiwo also drew a contrast between his era and the current Super Eagles squad, admitting a lack of knowledge regarding the present team’s internal dynamics.
“I don’t know this generation because it is different. I’m not in their group, not in their team list, and I have never been in their group to see how it is done. All I see is from the television or what’s on the internet; I don’t know either. They like each other.”
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