By IDNN Sports Desk
CAIRO – Former Nigeria national team coach Jose Peseiro has been relieved of his duties at Egyptian giants Zamalek SC, barely three months after his appointment.
The decision was announced via the club’s official Facebook page late Wednesday:
“An agreement has been reached between Zamalek and coach Jose Peseiro to mutually terminate the contract. We wish you the best in your future endeavours.”
Sources inside the club revealed the decision stemmed from a combination of poor league form, elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup, and growing unrest among the fanbase.
⏱️ The Numbers: Short, Sour, and Forgettable
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📆 Appointed: February 14, 2025
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❌ CAF Confederation Cup: Eliminated in group stage
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❌ Egyptian League Cup: Knocked out early
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📉 League Standing: 3rd place, 7 points behind leaders Pyramids FC
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🧪 Tenure: 84 days
Zamalek, who were defending CAF Confederation Cup champions, expected much more from the Portuguese tactician.
🇳🇬 The Nigeria Angle: Decline After AFCON High?
Peseiro’s departure from Zamalek marks another dip in what was once a promising African chapter. Just three months ago, he stood on the AFCON 2023 podium with Nigeria, having led the Super Eagles to a hard-fought silver medal finish.
Though controversial during his time with Nigeria—especially over his tactical rigidity and player selection—Peseiro’s stock was still relatively strong post-AFCON. That stock has now plummeted.
⚽ A Journeyman’s Journey: From Super Eagles to Cairo Crash
Peseiro’s coaching CV is packed with heavy names:
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🇵🇹 Porto & Sporting Lisbon
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🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia National Team
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🇻🇪 Venezuela National Team
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🇳🇬 Nigeria (2022–2024)
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🇪🇬 Zamalek (2025)
But the Zamalek spell might rank among his most short-lived and turbulent. He became only the fifth man to coach both Egyptian rivals – Al Ahly and Zamalek—a historic badge, albeit tarnished now.
📢 IDNN’s Verdict: A Tactician in Decline?
From leading Nigeria at the AFCON to crashing out with Zamalek in just 12 weeks, Peseiro’s trajectory is now under serious scrutiny.
He is expected to return to Europe or the Gulf region where his coaching style is more appreciated. But in Africa, his reputation has dimmed—especially among Nigerian fans who had mixed feelings about his tenure from day one.
