The head coach of one of African biggest footballing teams has now revealed why he took a pay cut to stay with the side, surprising many in the process.
Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro has revealed that his players had a big role in his decision not to leave the Super Eagles.
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The former Porto boss initially took over in May 2022 when he replaced Austin Eguavoen, and his tenure so far is considered a successful one, having led his side to 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
His contract was, however, set to run until only June this year.
Instead of walking away from the job and the prospect of getting his hands on some international silverware, the 63-year-old decided to take a pay cut and extend his stay with the side, and he has now revealed how the players swayed him to renew his deal with the Nigeria Football Federation ahead of the continental showpiece in the Ivory Coast.
"The players pushed me to stay because they believe we can win the AFCON," he told Punch.
"We can win it. The players know it. They come with the same energy, the same belief, to fight for the Super Eagles."
He also admitted, though, that despite the players' strong ambitions for the tournament, they will have to be very wary of their competitors.
"We will need to be at our maximum because we know that there is good opposition," Peseiro added.
"There is Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana and Ivory Coast.
"But we believe we can do it. I believe. And the players believe."
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