Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia has expressed his determination to make a robust comeback after FIFA’s five-year ban concludes in August 2024.
Initially facing a lifetime ban and a fine for alleged involvement in match-fixing, Siasia successfully appealed the decision. The Court of Arbitration for Sports not only reduced the ban but also dismissed the fine, citing a disproportionate penalty for a first offense committed passively.
In a recent interview Siasia revealed the emotional impact of the ban, stating, “I was actually doing well as a coach. And out of nowhere, bang, it hit me like a slug to my chest, and it broke me down.”
He expressed his lack of preparedness for the situation and emphasized that he was accused without any proof. Siasia questioned the fairness of being banned for life when there was no evidence of wrongdoing or immediate adverse effects on football stakeholders.
He elaborated on the frustrating aspect of the allegations, stating, “There’s no proof to that. When you talk about corruption, is it not when money exchange hands and all that? There was nothing. There’s no video, no evidence of any wrongdoing.”
Despite admitting to communicating with a match-fixer, Siasia emphasized that it did not make him a match-fixer.
As the ban approaches its end in 2024, Siasia is determined to rebuild and return stronger.
He reflected on his successful coaching career before the ban, stating, “I was doing very well as a coach before this ban hit me.” Looking ahead, Siasia remains optimistic, declaring, “But it’s almost over, and I’m coming back bigger and stronger.”
