Former Super Eagles forward, Victor Ikpeba has expressed strong support for Jose Peseiro, asserting that the coach deserves credit for steering Nigeria to an impressive campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

Ikpeba goes on to suggest that those critical of Peseiro’s tactics should reconsider their stance.

Despite facing criticism for his tactical approach, Peseiro led the Super Eagles to the AFCON final before parting ways with the team upon the expiration of his contract.

Ikpeba emphasized during the interview that Peseiro merits respect rather than criticism for his role in the team’s journey to the AFCON final.

“What he did in AFCON, credit to him. It took us 19 years to win our first AFCON. It’s difficult to win the AFCON,” the former Africa footballer of the year said.

“Those who said Peseiro was defensive in his approach in the final should be ashamed of themselves.

“Don’t forget that was this same approach he used to defeat Cameroon, Angola and South Africa and he was not criticised.

“During my years when we had the best players, we never won the tournament. The foreign managers have done more for Nigeria.

“Accolades should be given to him because he has done well,” He said during Monday Night Football.