José Mourinho cheers for Nigeria in AFCON 2023 Final, expresses disappointment as Super Eagles fall short

José Mourinho, the renowned Portuguese coach, reportedly closely followed the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that took place on Sunday, February 11. Before the highly anticipated clash between Ivory Coast and Nigeria, the “Special One” had thrown his support behind the Super Eagles.

His wish was for his friend José Peseiro to become the first Portuguese coach to lift an Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

In an interview with the British television channel FIVE UK, Mourinho shared the close friendship he shares with Peseiro, stating, «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 at the same time. We spent five years together every day. He is probably my greatest friend in football. José, my great friend. It will be a tremendous opportunity for him to make history. No Portuguese coach has ever won the AFCON».

Unfortunately, despite Mourinho’s hopes and support, the Nigeria Super Eagles ultimately lost the final. This must undoubtedly be a disappointment for the “Special One,” who had hoped to see his friend Peseiro make history by clinching the prestigious AFCON title.