José Peseiro, the former manager of Al-Ahly and Porto, and currently in charge of Nigeria, is on a quest for a historic achievement with the Super Eagles by clinching the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title.
Nigeria secured their spot in the tournament’s final by defeating South Africa in a penalty shootout.
This accomplishment not only marks a significant milestone in the continent’s premier football competition but also brings Peseiro tantalizingly close to achieving what his mentor and compatriot, Carlos Queiroz, failed to accomplish with the Egyptian national team.
The two managers share a previous relationship, with Carlos Queiroz, the former head coach of the Egyptian national team, having mentored José Peseiro.
Peseiro served as Queiroz’s assistant during their tenure at Real Madrid from July 2003 to June 2004.
Together, they led the Spanish club in 59 matches, securing 34 wins, suffering 14 defeats, and drawing 11 times.
Nearly two decades after their collaboration at Real Madrid, Peseiro, the “student,” has guided Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, edging closer to clinching the coveted title that eluded Queiroz, the “master,” last year with the Egyptian national team.
Egypt faltered against Senegal in the previous edition’s final, losing in a penalty shootout.
The encounter between the two managers took place during the South American qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
At that time, Queiroz was coaching Colombia, while Peseiro was in charge of Venezuela.
Queiroz emerged victorious, with Colombia securing a narrow 1-0 win over Peseiro’s Venezuela.
Reflecting on his time as Queiroz’s assistant, Peseiro shared insights during an interview with Al Hayah TV, stating, “Queiroz has vast experience.
He invited me to join him at Real Madrid. He has coached in top leagues worldwide and has led teams to the World Cup multiple times.
I expect Egypt to reach the World Cup under his leadership.”
