Siasia Ready to Return to Football After Five-Year FIFA Ban

Former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia has expressed his renewed commitment to coaching after completing a five-year ban imposed by FIFA for alleged involvement in match-fixing. The ban, originally a lifetime penalty, was reduced to five years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2019.

Siasia spoke at an event in Abuja organized by friends and supporters of his Siaone Soccer Academy to mark his return to football activities. He shared the emotional toll the ban had taken on him, describing the past five years as filled with pain and anguish.

“The ban came as a shock to me and was very devastating,” Siasia said. “It was for an offence I never committed. I was charged, investigated, tried, and sentenced without being informed or given a chance to defend myself.”

Siasia revealed that he was unaware of any investigation against him until the ban was imposed, leaving him unable to practice his profession for the duration of the suspension. “I was never informed that I was under investigation for any allegation against me. I did not have the opportunity to defend myself even once before I was banned,” he explained.

Despite the difficult period, Siasia remained connected to football, using the time to reflect and update his knowledge of the game. “I wish to inform my supporters across Nigeria and beyond that I did not spend the last five years idly or in lamentation. Not one day out of the 1,826 days was wasted in agony or hopelessness,” he said.

Siasia emphasized that his principles and integrity remained intact throughout his 25-year coaching career. “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, or dirty deals of any sort,” he asserted.

Now, at 57, Siasia is ready to return to coaching with renewed energy and determination. “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 lifelong passion,” he stated.

Siasia also took the opportunity to thank those who supported him during his ordeal, including his family, supporters, and sports journalists. He expressed his gratitude to the committee of friends and parents of Siaone Soccer Academy for organizing the event in his honor.

As he prepares to re-enter the football world, Siasia’s focus remains on seeing Nigeria succeed on the global stage. “My sole aspiration is to see Nigeria succeed and reclaim her rightful position among the successful football-playing nations of the world,” he concluded.