Renowned Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho has extended his support and encouragement to his compatriot, Jose Peseiro, ahead of the highly anticipated AFCON 2023 final between Nigeria and hosts Côte d’Ivoire on Sunday.
Peseiro, the manager of the Nigerian national team, has defied expectations by leading the Eagles to the final of this prestigious tournament.
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Despite a challenging start in Group A against Equatorial Guinea, Peseiro’s squad has showcased an impressive turnaround, securing five consecutive victories while conceding only two goals along the way.
In the showdown, Nigeria faces Ivory Coast, a team that advanced to the knockout stage as one of the four third-best teams.
If Peseiro’s Eagles emerge victorious, he will etch his name in history as the first-ever Portuguese coach to win the AFCON.
Expressing his heartfelt support for Peseiro, Mourinho shared a personal anecdote, highlighting the close bond between them.
In a video message, Mourinho conveyed his admiration for Peseiro, describing him as his “best friend in football.”
The two coaches have shared a lifelong friendship, having studied together and spent five years side by side during their formative years.
Mourinho emphasized the significance of the opportunity for Peseiro, noting that winning the AFCON would mark a historic achievement for Portuguese coaches.
”My best friend in football is in the final, the Nigerian coach is my best friend, he grew up with me.
“We studied together, we went to university the same day, we spent five years together every day, and we left at the same time. He’s probably my biggest friend in football.
“Jose (Peseiro) my big friend and for him a huge opportunity to make history because no Portuguese coach has won the African Cup of Nations.“
With unwavering support from Mourinho and a talented Nigerian squad under his leadership, Peseiro enters the final with the chance to make football history and secure a landmark victory for his country.
