•Jose Peseiro
The Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro today, expressed regret that he did not bring the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations trophy hosted by Cote d’Ivoire to Nigeria.
Recall that the host country, Cote d’Ivoire, came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1 in the final match played at Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, on Sunday night, reports Vanguard.
The AFCON’s runner-up was received by President Bola Tinubu alongside the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday at the presidential Villa Abuja, where he gave every one of them the national honour of Member of the Orders of Niger, MON.
Speaking to journalists after the presentation of national honours, Peseiro expressed joy that it was the first time he was being invited and honoured by a president.
He said, “About the final, if you ask me, I think we did a fantastic job. Our team showed very good spirit and played well. My boys did 100 per cent, same for my staff and the NFF.
“Of course, I would have liked to bring the cup to the Nigerian people, I’m sad about that. But of course, I’m happy because I think we did a fantastic job. In the final, I think we felt that atmosphere.”
He appreciated the president’s honour for him. “First of all, I will like to say thank you to the President. I am 60 years old, this is the first time some president has invited me to his house. It’s an honour and a pride to me from the President of the Republic of Nigeria for the invitation to come here.”
