Peseiro was reported to be locked in a contract dispute with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over a clause in his agreement
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria gaffer, Jose Peseiro has tipped the Pharaohs of Egypt as the likely winner of the 33rd edition of the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently ongoing in Cameroon.
The Portuguese, who was named as the successor to Gernot Rohr, was expected to take over from interim manager Austin Eguavoen after the AFCON but he is currently at loggerheads with his employer NFF.
Austin Eguavoen took charge of the Super Eagles at the AFCON before they were eliminated in the round of 16 against Tunisia.
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Eguavoen’s men won all their matches in the group stage against Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau but were surprisingly eliminated at the knockout stages.
Peseiro, while speaking with Kingfut, asserted that the four teams in the semi-finals of AFCON are currently the best in the tournament.
He also said despite Egypts’ poor performance against Nigeria at the group stages, they have what it takes to lift the trophy.
“The Africa Cup of Nations is a very strong competition between strong teams, including Nigeria, who were the best in the group stage, but after all, the four strongest teams throughout the tournament have reached the semi-finals.
“Egypt didn’t do well against Nigeria, but after that, they showed their true abilities, their players gave a great performance against Morocco, they have what it takes to win the tournament.”
Peseiro is expected to take charge of the Super Eagles in their 2022 FIFA World Cup double-header playoffs against the Black Stars of Ghana in March.