Jose Peseiro has turned down the renewal offer presented by the Nigeria Football Federation to bring an end to his stint as Super Eagles head coach.
Peseiro has been out of contract following the conclusion of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast where he led Nigeria to second place.
On Thursday, reports circulated that the NFF offered the former Venezuela coach a new contract but with the same salary to continue as Nigeria coach, a deal which he rejected.
The Portuguese took a pay cut in his salary in September 2023 after the NFF struggled to pay his outstanding salaries from May 2022.
The 63-year-old confirmed his exit on social media and he appreciated Nigerians for their support during his 22-month reign.
Peseiro tweeted: “Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF. It was a pride and honour to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfilment.
“We would like to express our gratitude to Sir Amaju Pinnick (the president who signed us), President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF, all the Staff, and especially all the players, with whom leading has been a great pleasure.
“Guys, we are thankful; it has been a privilege to be part of this family. We will miss you, but we will always be there for you, no matter where you are. A big hug to all of you.”
Peseiro was appointed as Nigeria coach in May 2022 and he managed a record of 11 wins, four draws and seven losses in 22 games.
Peseiro is the 11th coach to quit his job after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Countries that have parted ways with their coaches are Egypt, Cameroon, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Guinea-Bissau, the Gambia and Tanzania.
