Former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho hopes his friend, Jose Peseiro, will win the AFCON when Nigeria plays Cote d’Ivoire later today.
Mourinho, who says Peseiro is his best friend in football, wants him to make history as the first Portuguese coach to lift the AFCON trophy.
Describing their history, Mourinho revealed that Peseiro has been with him for years, including spending five years straight together.
Speaking to Five UK Media, Mourinho explains the relationship between him and Jose Peseiro.
“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 on the same day. We spent five years together every day. We left at the same time. he is probably my biggest friend in football, Jose Peseiro, my big friend. For him a huge opportunity to make history because no Portuguese coach has ever won the AFCON.”
Nigeria will take on Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the 2023 AFCON at the Alhassan Ouatarra, stadium.
Earlier in the competition, Nigeria beat Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 in the group stage courtesy of a penalty converted by Troost-Ekong.
???? Who’s Jose Mourinho backing in the AFCON final? ⚽️????
????️⭐️ The @Footballcomglob ambassador has a VERY special message for one of the coaches.
CC: @NGSuperEagles
???? FULL INTERVIEW with José dropping next week on @FIVEUK
????: https://t.co/UNPhpMrCcT pic.twitter.com/eQNWsEdHo0
— FIVE (@FIVEUK) February 11, 2024
Two years ago when Peseiro was announced as the coach of Nigeria, the then NFF chairman referenced consulting Mourinho before appointing Peseiro.
The details were never confirmed officially until the Five UK’s interview with Mourinho.