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Tag: Siasia

  • I’m more renewed to continue with my passion — Siasia

    I’m more renewed to continue with my passion — Siasia

    Coach Samson Siasia says that he is more renewed and prepared to continue with his lifetime passion of coaching, following his return to full scale football activities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Siasia, a renowned former Super Eagles player and coach, completed a ban imposed by FIFA for a match-fixing allegation.

    Initially a lifetime penalty, it  was reduced to five years by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in 2019.

    Siasia spoke to NAN on the sidelines of an event organised by friends and parents of Siaone Soccer Academy to mark his return to full football activities on Saturday in Abuja.

    He admitted that it had been five difficult years of momentary pain and emotional anguish for him.

    Siasia said that the ban came as a shock to him and was very devastating, adding that it was over an offence he never committed.

    He said  that he was charged, investigated, tried and sentenced without his knowledge.

    “I was never informed that I was under investigation over any allegation against me.

    “I did not have the chance to defend myself for one second before I was banned.

    “I was prevented from fully practicing my only profession, the game of football.

    “But I thank God that the night is over, the day is here at last and I am free again to practice my profession with my usual honesty and sincerity of character.

    Read Also: Siasia  snubs Kanu, Mikel Obi in Nigeria’s Best XI

    “In my over 25 years of coaching career, I have jealously guarded and maintained my principles and character with utmost uncompromising sincerity.

    “I have never and will never partake in bribery, corruption and dirty deals of any sorts,” he said.

    The 57-year-old tactician, however said that he was inseparable from football, adding that the ban did not forbid him from renewing his knowledge of the game.

    He said that his one and only aspiration was to see Nigeria succeed and get back, and reclaim her rightful position among the successful football-playing nations of the world.

    “I wish to inform my supporters across Nigerians and beyond that I did not spend the last five years in idleness or lamentation.

    “Not one day out of the 1,826 days was wasted in agony or hopelessness.

    “It was a period of serious reflection and painstaking updating and close appraisal and reappraisal of the dynamics of the game of my youth and adulthood.

    “Today, I am back more resolved, more determined, more committed and unbowed. For five years, I was down, but I am certainly not out because it is not over.

    “I am returning to the game renewed and prepared to continue with my lifetime passion,” he said.

    Siasia expressed gratitude to all those who stood by him during his trying moments, including his family, supporters and sports journalists for their solidarity.

    He appreciated the committee of friends and parents of Siaone Soccer Academy for hosting the event in his honour.
    (NAN)

  • Siasia  snubs Kanu, Mikel Obi in Nigeria’s Best XI

    Siasia  snubs Kanu, Mikel Obi in Nigeria’s Best XI

    …  listed Amuneke, Finidi,  Oliseh, Okocha

    Former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia has reportedly included many of his former international teammates in his selection of Nigeria’s all-time best eleven.

    In a chat with Edafe Matthew, Siasia picked Nigeria’s most capped goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, who won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, in goal ahead of 1994 AFCON hero Peter Rufai.

    Ben Iroha gets the nod at left-back, while Augustine Eguavoen is Siasia’s favourite at right-back.

    While the Super Eagles boast a long list of excellent centre-backs in history, including Joseph Yobo and Stephen Keshi, Siasia, however, prefers former AC Milan Taribo West and Uche Okechukwu at the heart of the defence.

    Read Also: Amuneke, Oliseh, Siasia, Amokachi, Finidi  beat deadline for Eagles job

    Siasia went for a midfield trio of Mutiu Adepoju, Sunday Oliseh, and Austin Okocha, insisting he intentionally left out Chelsea icon John Obi Mikel.

    Super Eagles coaching hopefuls Emmanuel Amuneke and George Finidi are Siasia’s preferred options on the left flank and right-wing, respectively.

    Nigeria’s greatest goalscorer of all time and 1994 AFCON winner, Rashidi Yekini, takes the single centre-forward position in Siasia’s favourite 4-3-3 formation. There is no room for Arsenal great Nwankwo Kanu and former Portsmouth ace Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

    Siasia has never hidden his affection for ex-international Chinedu Obasi Ogbuke, naming the former Schake 04 striker the most gifted player he ever coached.

  • Siasia defends Eagles’, Osimhen’s AFCON Performance

    Siasia defends Eagles’, Osimhen’s AFCON Performance

    By Paul Onehi

    Former Nigeria international Samson Siasia has noted that the Super Eagles deserved a pat on the back for coming through with a silver medal from the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire.

    “It’s not easy to get to the final and they worked very hard defensively,” Siasia said of the Super Eagles scorecard in Cote d’Ivoire. “They (super Eagles) played very well but we didn’t play well in the attack which was our strength; and (Victor) Osimhen for one was isolated in front.”

    Yet the former FC Nantes striker lauded the Napoli striker for his devotion to the cause of the team throughout the competition despite not being among the tournament’s top scorer despite his scoring credentials with his Italian outfit.

    Nigeria Coach and Nantes forward Samson Siasia has backed Napoli striker Victor Osimhen to be very crucial for Nigeria at just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Read Also; Provost to students: exhibit discipline, good conduct

    “It would be very wrong for people to condemn him (Osimhen) that he didn’t do well at the (AFCON),” Siasia, a1994 AFCON winner with the Super Eagles said. “The role he played (at the AFCON) was very tough and technical one but no one to feed him with the kind of passes he needed as a striker.”

    In seven matches, Osimhen managed just a goal in the opener against Guinea Bissau yet Siasia was full of praises for his efforts.

    “The guy (Osimhen) was actually everywhere in the pitch, going up and down and his presence alone created a lot of turbulence in the side of our opponent throughout the tournament.

    “ But I’ve heard people saying it would be wrong for him to be taken to the Premiership because he scored just one goal at the Nations Cup.

    “ Of course, sometimes things like that happen in football but the most is the most important thing and not an individual

    “ If he did not score, he was working hard too to make sure the team succeed . It’s a collective job and I think the boy has done his best . It may not be good for now but it was good enough for every one of us in Nigeria,” Siasia noted in an interview on Lagos-based sport radio station, Brila FM.

  • Siasia, John Fashanu Named for Freestyle Football Tourney

    Tourney Kick-off Sept.

    Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, has been named as an ambassador for a freestyle football in Africa.

    Named alongside SiaOne are former professional English footballer, John Fashanu,  and Waidi Akanni, former Nigerian defender

    Nollywood actresses, Kate Henshaw and Tonto Dikeh; are also ambassador for the upcoming Africa Freestyle Football Tournament.

    Speaking on the competition, Valentine Ozigbo, chairman of Feet ‘n’ Tricks International, said the company is on a mission to make Africa the home of freestyle football.

    “In order to realize this, we decided to look for ambassadors, who exemplify the same passion for the sport like we do, and decided to work together with John Fashanu, Waidi Akanni, Samson Siasia, Kate Henshaw and Tonto Dikeh to actualize this dream,” he said.

    “Without a doubt, they have over the years demonstrated leadership in the sports and entertainment scene and beyond. To this end, we trust in their ability to help engage and inspire our target audience to accept as well as promote freestyle football to the lofty height and the global phenomenon that it is now fast developing into.

    “The infusion of Kate Henshaw and Tonto Dikeh into the event is to create an entertainment appeal to the sport and quip the interest of the youths. We are glad to have them onboard as brand ambassadors.”

    The qualifying rounds and Nigerian championship will hold on September 13-14 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.

    After the qualifying rounds, the best 16 male and eight female freestyle athletes in Africa will move on to the grand finale on September 15, where the first African male and female Freestyle Football champions will emerge.

    “I am in-tune with the mission of this tournament, to develop and sustain the growth of the art of freestyle football because I have a passion for the development of grassroot football,” Fashanu said.

    “What feet and tricks is doing is basically creating an avenue to accommodate these freestylers who have been neglected all over the continent.

    The competition will also feature performances from musical acts like Falz, Vanessa Mdee, Kcee, Mayorkun, Slim Case and Mr Real.

    International freestyle professionals like Iya Traore, Guinness world record holder, and Raquel Benetti, female freestyler from Brazil, will also be in attendance.

  • Crespo, Siasia join entertainers, Lagos fans at Champions League final

    Following successful live viewings of UEFA Champions League matches by fans in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, Heineken lager beer on Saturday, May 26, 2018 hosted football fans at the Ocean View Ground, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, for the final match between Real Madrid and Liverpool.

    In attendance was Argentine football legend, Hernan Crespo, who joined hundreds of Nigerian fans to watch the match. Crespo, who arrived the country on Thursday, May 24, 2018, had visited leading art, culture, lifestyle, and educational centre, Terra Kulture, to view stunning artworks on display. He had also paid surprise visits to four lucky football fans in their offices in various parts of Lagos, delivering to the delighted fans exclusive front row invites to the UCL Final live match viewing experience put together by Heineken.

    While guests enjoyed playing various fun activities like table soccer, video games and so on, additional entertainment was provided by DJ Neptune, with hype man, Shody, further galvanizing the excited crowd during the post-match after-party to create a carnival-like atmosphere which matched the mood of both the Real Madrid players jubilating on the pitch faraway in Kiev and thousands of their fans celebrating along with them in Lagos.

    The 2017/2018 UCL final match which was 0-0 at half time, produced a total of four goals in the second half, with the Spaniards scoring the first in the 50th minute courtesy of Karim Benzema. Although Liverpool quickly equalized through Sadio Mane in the 54th minute, Madrid’s super substitute, Gareth Bale, who came in in the 62nd minute scored two wonder goals to put the game beyond the English side, effectively handing Real Madrid a 13th UCL title, and the 4th win in the past five seasons.

    The trio of sports broadcaster, Moses Praiz, Hernan Crespo and ex Super Eagles player and coach, Samson Siasia, provided expert analysis and made predictions during half time.

     

  • Siasia Warns NFF Over Cancellation of Players Match Bonuses

    Siasia Warns NFF Over Cancellation of Players Match Bonuses

    Ex-international and Former Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia has asked Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) to restore payment of match bonuses for U17, U20 and U23 national team players policy.

    According to Siasia who spoke in an excliusive interview with Brila Fm said the new decision not to pay match bonus allowances for the national team players embodied an unwholesome inmplication not only for the youth players but also for the course of youth football in the country.

    Siasia who had managed in the U20 and U23 National team sides for the country reckoned that such decision might have been taken abtriarily without an wholelistic view.

    He suggested that the NFF should still revisit the decision.explaining that instead of total cancelation of the allowance the glasshouse should consider reduction instaed.

    He said, “It is only those who have never played football that can make such decision” the Bayelsa-born tactician said in the interview.”

    “Those young boys in the U17, U20 ranks go through a lot, and for better commitment, I think it is better to reduce the match bonus than total cancellation.”

    Siasia led Nigeria U20 team to silver in the U20 FIFA world cup hosted by Netherlands in 2005 and also led the U23 dream team to silver and bronze medal at 2012, 2016 Olympics in Beijing, London respectively.

    Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa’s has declared himself a free player and ready to move on as his contract with FC Ifeanyi Ubah ended thisl season, and the Super Eagles safe hand said he is open for offer.

    The goalkeeper’s South Africa based agent, Emmanuel Godwin, has reported various interests from European and African clubs for the goalkeeper.

    He said, “We are not surprised anyway given the favour of God on him which has granted him the grace of great performances in recent times both for club and national team, particularly in the World Cup qualifiers.

    I can only tell you that we are waiting for divine direction on the next move for Ezenwa.” Ezenwa, who has earlier declared himself free without any attachment to any club noted that he has served out his contract with FC Ifeanyi Ubah, adding that he would be ready to listen to any offer.

    “I have served out my one and half year contract with FC Ifeanyi Ubah. I had a good time with the club. My agent and I are studying some of these offers before we take a decision and with time the world will know the team I will sign for,” Ezenwa said.

  • PSG-IRUKKA unveil Siasia as brand ambassador

    PSG-IRUKKA unveil Siasia as brand ambassador

    Former Super Eagles’ coach, Samson Siasia has been unveiled as the brand ambassador of the Paris Saint Germain-IRUKKA football talent hunt.

    Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, the M.D. , PSG-IRUKKA, Chinedu Oguike believes Siasia having coached virtually all the age-group national teams in the country represents the ideals of the project.

    His words: “Siasia’s dynamism in coaching and youths development speaks volume and we cannot but identify with him to assist us project this initiative.

    “You will agree with me that Samson (Siasia) is a role model to so many Nigerian young footballers and we believe they would have something to learn from him.”

    The former Dream Team VI handler, however, praised the organisers of the project for creating a platform for the national team coaches to pick players from.

    “With a project such as this, our coaches can always visit the data base and pick players as it is always difficult to discover players and teach them how to play,” he said.

    The talent hunt, according to the organizers, is designed to search and scout for young football talents between the ages of 13 and 17 years in Nigeria for further nurturing and development in France.

    The screening is slated between May and July of this year in 14 cities, just as entry forms would be available in all UBA branches and accredited agents across the country.

     

  • I like to coach Bafana Bafana – Siasia

    I like to coach Bafana Bafana – Siasia

    •Sia-One makes 4 shortlisted coaches

    Former Super Eagles Coach Samson Siasia has come out to declare that he cherishes handling the national team of South Africa popularly known as the Bafana Bafana.

    The coach confessed this to SportingLife in Abuja yesterday while confirming that he is also in the race for the Rwanda national team coaching job too.

    “You know that I don’t have any work for now, but my representatives are handling some jobs for me outside the country. I can confirm to you that it’s true I am in the shortlisted lists for the South Africa and Rwanda coaching jobs. There are other top club sides in Africa and outside that we are also looking at”, Siasia told SportingLife in Abuja.

    The coach popularly called Sia-One however cherishes handling the Bafana Bafana of South Africa when he disclosed that “it would be great if I get the chance to handle the Bafana Bafana. They are as great team with some good players.

    “The good thing is that my name is in the four shortlisted coaches for the job so anything can happen”, Siasia said with ray of hopes.

  • Eagles didn’t agree N1million bonus – Siasia

    Eagles didn’t agree N1million bonus – Siasia

    Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, has denied there was an agreement between the players and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to peg the bonus for the team home win during qualifiers for major tournaments at N1million.

    The NFF spokesman, Ademola Olajire and the Super Eagles coordinator, Dayo Enebi, have both claimed that officials as well as captain and vice-captain of the national team were at a meeting held in March in Kaduna where the decision to peg the players’ bonus at N1million was taken.

    But Siasia has now rubbished such claim.

    “I don’t know anything about one million (Naira),” Siasia told africanFootball.com on Thursday.

    “The agreement was that they will pay the equivalent of dollars at the bank rate, official rate. I don’t know about anything else.”

     

  • Unpaid salary: Siasia issues NFF two-week ultimatum

    Unpaid salary: Siasia issues NFF two-week ultimatum

    SAMSON Siasia, Nigeria’s former under-23 coach, has given the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) a two-week ultimatum to settle its debt to him.
    Siasia says the NFF owes him five months’ salary arrears from the start of April to August 2016.
    The 49-year-old led the country to a bronze medal finish at the Rio Olympics.
    Barely five weeks after ending his two-year contract on a high, Siasia said his patience is fast running out.
    I have given them a two week ultimatum to pay me or I will sit inside the NFF office in Abuja until I get paid
    “I have given them a two week ultimatum to pay me or I will sit inside the NFF office in Abuja until I get paid,” Siasia told BBC Sport.
    “The national team is preparing for a World Cup qualifier and to be honest my unhealthy distractions are the last thing they need right now.
    “I’ve made it clear in my letter that my assistants and I should be paid the backlog owed because it’s inhuman.
    “As head of our families we sacrificed everything for the country but the NFF refused to pay us – it’s not only heartless but wicked,” he said.
    A top NFF official acknowledged the debt but said Siasia’s latest remarks are “unfortunate”.
    The NFF attributed the delay to the latest financial procedures which must be adhered to by all.
    “There’s a new financial procedure in place, which has not been concluded by the federation,” the NFF official told BBC Sport.
    “His latest outburst is just unfortunate but the process (to pay him) is still ongoing. There is no attempt to deny Siasia or his assistants their dues.”
    As a player Siasia won the 1994 Nations Cup and played for Nigeria at their maiden appearance at the 1994 World Cup.
    He was in charge when Nigeria finished as runners-up at the 2005 Fifa U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands.
    He led the country to the 2015 African U-23 championship and also coached them to silver and bronze medals at the 2008 and 2016 Olympics football event.
    It is not the first time Nigerian coaches have been caught in the web of unpaid salaries.
    Recently the likes of Christian Chukwu, Shuaibu Amodu, Eucharia Uche, John Obuh, Austin Eguavoen, Stephen Keshi and Sunday Oliseh have gone to the media after seeking payment for outstanding salaries.