Mourinho backs ‘best friend’ Peseiro to lead Nigeria to AFCON glory
Former Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho is backing his ‘best friend’ Jose Peseiro to lead Nigeria to 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) glory.
Peseiro tutored Super Eagles will file out vs Cote d’Ivoire in the final match on Sunday, February 11, 2024.
Ahead of the final match, Mourinho revealed his desire for Nigeria to triumph in the tournament.
Mourinho’s support for Nigeria stems not only from their potential historic achievement but also from his personal relationship with Jose Peseiro, the Portuguese coach of the Nigeria national team.
Peseiro and Mourinho share a long-standing friendship dating back to their days growing up and studying together. Mourinho described Peseiro as his “best friend” in football, emphasizing their close bond forged during their university years.
“My best friend in football is in the final,” Mourinho said.
“The Nigerian coach is my best friend — he grew up with me.
“We studied together. We went to the university at the same time. We spent five years together every day. We left at the same time. He is probably my biggest friend in football. Jose, my big friend. It will be a huge opportunity for him to make history. Never has a Portuguese coach won the AFCON.”
Nigeria’s journey to the AFCON final under Peseiro has been impressive, with the Super Eagles remaining unbeaten in six matches, including a crucial victory over their final opponents.
Mourinho sees the final as a significant opportunity for Peseiro to make history, highlighting the fact that no Portuguese coach has ever won the AFCON before.
In addition to Mourinho’s endorsement, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also supports Nigeria’s quest for a fourth continental title, further bolstering confidence in the Super Eagles’ chances in the final showdown against the Ivory Coast.
