Taye Taiwo advocates for Peseiro’s retention in Super Eagles
Former Super Eagles defender, Taye Taiwo, has expressed his belief that Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup would have been stronger had José Peseiro remained as head coach. Peseiro, who led the team to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), stepped down after the tournament, citing emotional and physical exhaustion. Despite his departure, Taiwo feels that continuity under Peseiro’s leadership could have provided the stability and cohesion necessary for successful World Cup qualification.
In an interview with Sporty TV, Taiwo emphasized that the Super Eagles demonstrated significant progress under Peseiro’s guidance, even though they narrowly lost to Ivory Coast in the AFCON final. He noted that the players were highly motivated and worked diligently for the coach, contributing to the team’s overall performance. Taiwo’s comments reflect a sentiment shared by some fans and analysts who believe that maintaining a consistent coaching approach is crucial for long-term success in international football.
Currently, Nigeria finds itself in a challenging position in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers, trailing behind South Africa and Benin Republic. The team’s performance in the upcoming matches will be critical to determining their path forward in the qualification process.
