In a thrilling turn of events for Nigerian football fans, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced the contract extension of Super Eagles coach, Jose Santos Peseiro. The long-awaited decision was confirmed in a statement released by the NFF on Sunday afternoon, bringing an end to several days of speculation and name-dropping within the football community.

The 63-year-old head coach, whose initial one-year contract came to an end this July, is set to continue guiding Nigeria’s footballing future.

Previously earning a monthly salary of $70,000, the coach’s remuneration is undergoing an adjustment. The NFF has indicated that the new agreement will see his monthly earnings reduced to $50,000. This decision comes as a result of the federation’s financial considerations, as they strive to maintain a sustainable budget.

With this renewed contract, the coach has been entrusted with a formidable challenge—to lead the Super Eagles to, at the very least, the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, set to hold in the Ivory Coast in January,

Peseiro, who has successfully secured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire with a match to spare, has unveiled his 23-player squad for the inconsequential encounter against São Tomé and Principe scheduled for this weekend in Uyo.

With Musa unavailable, the on-field leader, William Ekong, led the roster of called-up players, marking the return of defender Tyronne Ebuehi and Semi Ajayi among others.

LIST OF ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

Goalkeepers:

1. Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
2. Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC)
3. Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)

Defenders:

1. Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
2. Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy)
3. Jordan Torunarigha (KAA Gent, Belgium)
4. William Ekong (PAOK FC, Greece)
5. Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England)
6. Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
7. Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales)
8. Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)

Midfielders:

1. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England)
2. Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
3. Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England)
4. Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)

Forwards:

1. Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)
2. Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy)
3. Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France)
4. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy)
5. Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy)
6. Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
7. Gift Orban (KAA Gent, Belgium)
8. Victor Boniface (Bayern Leverkusen, Germany)