Samson Siasia Gives Reason Why NFF Are Yet to Offer Him National Team Job
- Super Eagles legend Samson Siasia has shared reasons why the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have not engaged him
- The 1994 AFCON winner completed his five-year FIFA ban in August 2024 after an allegation of match-fixing
- The former striker is one of the most outstanding indigenous coaches to have handled any of the country's teams
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Samson Siasia has sparked reactions on social media with his remarks about the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leadership under Ibrahim Gusau.
The former Nigeria U20 coach made grave allegations against the immediate past NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, in recent interviews.
The former El-Kanemi Warriors star also accused his former captain, John Mikel Obi, of trying to force his way into the 2016 Rio Olympics squad, which eventually won Nigeria's only medal during the competition.
Source: Getty Images
What did Samson Siasia say about NFF?
Super Eagles legend Samson Siasia said he is currently perceived as a troublemaker by the current Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board members.
According to ScoreNigeria, the Lokeren legend explained that he would not compromise on the standard and select the best players in his squad.
The 58-year-old said that if he failed to dance to the tune of any powerful individual, he would be labeled a controversial coach and thrown out of his job.
The AFCON winner explained that he is ready to serve Nigeria in the capacity of a coach, whenever he is called upon. He said:
“They (NFF) do not want to give me work because they say I am troublemaker."
“I call a spade a spade and they will dismiss me as a controversial coach.
“They march on my head and they expect me to say ‘thank you sir’.”
Siasia was initially hit with a lifetime ban by FIFA in 2019 for alleged match-fixing, but it was later reduced after he appealed at the Court of Arbitration for Sports, per BBC.
His $50,000 fine was also removed, and the former U23 head coach went off the radar as he served his suspension, even though he denied all wrongdoing.
The Super Eagles legend guided the Nigeria U23 team to win silver medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in China and the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
Source: Getty Images
Siasia's time will come - Atolagbe
Nigeria sports journalist Femi Atolagbe urged Samson Siasia to exercise patience while positioning himself for a job with any of the national football teams.
Speaking in an exclusive comment with Legit.ng, Atolagbe rated Siasia as one of the best coaches in the country.
He explained that the former Nigeria U20 coach can manage top stars and has an eye for identifying future talent. He said:
"I rate Samson Siasia high because of his pedigree. He is one of the best coaches I have watched handle any of the football teams, from the U20 to the Super Eagles.
"I strongly believe that Siasia's time will come and the NFF will have no choice than to engage him."
Siasia says NFF still owes him
Legit.ng earlier reported that former Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia claims that the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) owes him $250,000 since 2016.
The former Nigeria U23 coach said his friend Yemi Idowu, who is also a philanthropist, came to the aid of the Dream Team VI when news broke that the team was stranded two days before their first match.
Source: Legit.ng
