Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia has openly denied claims that he said Mikel Obi offered him $50,000.
Speaking to Brila FM on the program “the big interview” Siasia revealed that the claims are false, and wonders why anyone would say such a thing. “Why would anyone say I said Mikel or his agent offered me money?” Siasia questioned.
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The former Super Eagles player and coach was reportedly captured on video alleging that Mikel Obi, through his agent John Shittu, offered him a bribe for a spot in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
According to Elegbete TV, Siasia said the agent was willing to pay €50,000, which he rejected. He said, “Going to the Olympics, Mikel wants to come and play. His agent said he would give me €50,000 so Mikel should play. I said it’s not about €50,000. He didn’t play the qualifiers, so I will take out someone who qualified us and bring you in? It won’t happen. That’s why Mikel didn’t go.”
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John Shittu had also openly addressed the issue. The agent revealed that he does not deal with coaches who have lost their reputation. He said via The Cable: “I am one of the most respected agents in the game” and made it clear, “I don’t deal with damaged people. “As far as I am concerned, it’s a forgotten issue.
Samson Siasia on Brila FM
Shittu also added that Siasia reached out to him to apologize privately.
The former agent had also reportedly approached the court to sue Siasia for damages and seek a public retraction of the claims.
However, Siasia has rubbished these claims, stating that he never made such statements. “I won’t talk to Nigerian journalists again,” Siasia said, expressing his frustration with the media coverage.
