Following the end of the Africa Cup of Nations last weekend, beaten finalists, the Super Eagles, might soon be dealing with more than just the disappointment of losing out on a fourth African title.
This was after news emerged that several of the Super Eagles players are considering retirement from international football for different reasons.
The path to the final in Abidjan had seen the team lose its final pre-tournament game against Guinea in Abu Dhabi, erasing every belief from supporters who had hoped for a decent showing in Ivory Coast.
After defying AFCON odds, changes afoot for Super Eagles
The competition started with an uninspiring 1-1 draw against lowly ranked Equatorial Guinea but all the doubts changed when they bagged all three points against the Elephants in the second group game.
A final group game win against Guinea-Bissau ensured qualification to the next round. In the knockout stages, Nigeria knocked out rivals Cameroon, beat Angola in the quarters and needed a nervy-shootout win over South Africa in the semis.
The Super Eagles had defied all the odds to reach the final of the 34th edition, where they eventually lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast.
Super Eagles future linked to Nigeria coach Peseiro
It must be said that Jose Peseiro‘s contract has ended with the just concluded AFCON, where he met his target and might have earned his argument for an extension, especially as the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers have begun and the next AFCON in Morocco (qualifiers and tournament) is billed for the summer of 2025.
Some players have been quoted as saying they will quit the national team if he continues, obviously because of strained relationships. Some players do not appreciate his style of play and could be forced to exit such a system should the Portuguese get a contract extension.
It remains to be seen if Peseiro will get an extension at an emergency meeting of the football federation executives later in the week.
He could get a long-term contract, at least a two-year deal, with terms and conditions that will give the federation the advantage anytime there is an argument. If the Federal Government has to step in to support the funding, that should also be encouraged.
Super Eagles players to reveal plans
Even though some players are already due for retirement, some announcements are expected in the coming days and weeks.
It's been said in some quarters that their experience going into the next edition would be key for the team as we will be having players that are way below 30 – which is also a good sign for the country.
In the event of any premature retirements due to factors like cyberbullying, the NFF might be forced to talk such a fellow back into the fold, but it's best now to engage with the players and the coaches early on by reassuring them of the love and belief that the entire nation is still behind the team.
All eyes will be on the Football Federation in the coming days to see how these issues will be handled and tell the nation what is best for the country.
Continuity is a huge factor, and learning from past mistakes should guide the board, as finishing second in AFCON with 24 teams is a laudable achievement.
