“Nigeria now play the Portuguese version of Mourinho” — Peterside

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Idah Peterside goes heavy on his criticism of national team coach, Jose Peseiro’s tactics he considers too reminiscent of a Jose Mourinho team.

In an interview on Channels television, the former goalie suggests the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) part ways with José Peseiro after Nigeria’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.

The defeat came despite William Troost-Ekong’s early goal for Nigeria, with the Ivorians staging a second-half comeback to clinch victory.

Expressing his frustration with the team’s performance, Peterside criticized Peseiro for adopting a defensive approach reminiscent of Jose Mourinho whose tactics have in modern times being heavily criticized.

Peterside believes the ultra defensive approach does not align with Nigeria’s style of play.

“Brazilians play Samba football, the British play fast football, but now we are playing the Portuguese version of Jose Mourinho where we pack the bus. That is what we are playing now, but this is not our style,” Peterside told Channels Television.

He highlighted Ivory Coast’s decision to bring in a coach familiar with their culture after failing to qualify for the tournament, noting the positive impact it had on their performance.

“They brought their home-based coach who knew the culture, and all of a sudden everything changed,” Peterside remarked, emphasizing the importance of playing possession-based football.

Despite reaching the final, Peterside maintained that Peseiro should be relieved of his duties, citing the need for a coach who can instill the desired style and culture within the Super Eagles.

“Many people asked me yesterday about the coach reaching the final, what do you think? I said to fire him,” Peterside concluded.