Former Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia has denied claims that ex-Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi paid for the Olympic Eagles’ flight from the United States to Brazil during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Speaking to former England striker Peter Crouch on his podcast, the ex-Chelsea midfielder disclosed that he paid for the national team’s flight to Brazil, and is still waiting to be reimbursed eight years later.
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“There was no money to pay for a flight, the players were worried… I spoke to the coach, we looked for a plane and I had to pay for it.”
Mikel Obi said he still hasn’t been reimbursed for flying the Nigerian football team to the Rio 2016 Olympics. pic.twitter.com/OmVAvJosHQ
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But Siasia, who led the team to a bronze medal in Brazil, dismissed the assertion as untrue.
“Mikel Obi did not pay any flight money for the Olympic Eagles from the United States to Brazil for the 2016 Olympics. Nothing like that happened,” Siasia told AIT Sports.
John Obi Mikel celebrating his Rio 2016 bronze medal. Photo Credit: X
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He clarified that while Mikel may have contributed to some hotel bills, the flight costs were handled through other channels.
Delta Airline flew us because Nigerians in the United States were agitated over the issue. A friend of mine approached the airline chairman, and they stepped in. Earlier, Yemi Idowu had paid, but the aircraft was too small, he explained.
Siasia challenged Mikel to produce proof of payment, stating: “If Mikel has the receipt, he should show Nigerians. He did not pay for any flight tickets. I say this as the head coach of the team.”
In a pointed remark, he added: “Maybe he’s broke and looking for money. He should find other ways.”
