Former Nigerian international, Victor Ikpeba has slammed Nigerians who have criticized the performance of former Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations despite coming second in the tournament.
The Portuguese coach took Nigeria to the final of the tournament, where the team lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast but was criticised for his defensive tactics the final.
However, Ikpeba, a Super Eagles icon stated that Peseiro deserves so much respect and not criticism.
“What he did in AFCON, credit to him. It took us 19 years to win our first AFCON. It’s difficult to win the AFCON.” Ikpeba said on Super Sports on Monday night, March
“Those who said Peseiro was defensive in his approach in the final should be ashamed of themselves. Don’t forget that was this same approach he used to defeat Cameroon, Angola and South Africa and he was not criticised.
“During my years when we had the best players, we never won the tournament. The foreign managers have done more for Nigeria.
“Accolades should be given to him because he has done well.”
Last week Peseiro refused to renew his contract with the Super eagles with reports claiming he was close to signing a deal with Algeria.
