Nigeria’s plan to win next AFCON masterminded by Mourinho’s close friend

Jose Peseiro

As the dust settles on the Qatar World Cup, attentions have turned away from international football and back to the domestic landscape. But, behind the scenes, Nigeria’s head coach Jose Peseiro is getting his teeth stuck into his task of developing the next kings of Africa, reports mirror.co.uk.

“This is part of the longer plan,” he says. “It’s my strategy to see for myself our players in training, in practice and it’s important I speak with the coaches, with the fitness coaches, also.

“I watched seven matches and I was at three practices to observe, to stay in contact with the players and speak with them. It’s different and it’s important I understand what they do there.

“I had good meetings with the coaches, shared some points about our players because normally we are not with them for too much time, but the club coach works with them for more time and can advise me or speak to me with more objectivity about what they can do.”

Peseiro’s trip also threw-up another fascinating aspect of the Nigeria role – the numerous English-based players eligible for the Super Eagles but with involvement in other international setups.

Peseiro came into the role with a glowing reference, with former Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick, phoning Jose Mourinho, one of his close friends, before offering him the job.

Peseiro and Mourinho go way back, meeting as they took their first steps in coaching and remaining close as their careers have developed. Peseiro is only too happy to reciprocate Mourinho’s kind words by hailing the winning mentality his pal has brought to the game.

“He’s been my friend for a long time,” Peseiro explains. “I have a very good relationship with him. “From 30 or 40 years ago, we’ve kept