2023 Africa Cup of Nations: Jose Mourinho bets on ‘best friend’ Jose Peseiro to lead Nigeria to victory

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, has expressed his desire to see the Super Eagles of Nigeria emerge victorious in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Cote d’Ivoire.

In an interview with FIVE UK, Mourinho shared his sentiments ahead of the highly anticipated final showdown.

Nigeria is set to clash with the hosts in the final of the 34th edition of AFCON at the Olympic Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan, on Sunday at 8 pm.

Speaking about the upcoming match, Mourinho revealed his support for the Eagles, citing his close relationship with Jose Peseiro, the team’s head coach.

Peseiro, Mourinho’s “best friend” in football, shares a longstanding connection with the renowned manager, having grown up together and attended the same university.

Reflecting on their shared history, Mourinho expressed his admiration for Peseiro and his desire to see him become the first Portuguese manager to clinch the AFCON title.

“My best friend in football is in the final. The Nigerian coach is my best friend — he grew up with me,” Mourinho shared.

“We studied together. We went to the university at the same time. We spent five years together every day. We left at the same time. He is probably my biggest friend in football. Jose, my big friend. It will be a huge opportunity for him to make history. Never has a Portuguese coach won the AFCON.”