Former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung has broken his silence over claims by ex-Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi that he funded the Nigerian U23 football team’s travel from the United States to Brazil for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Mikel, in a recent interview, alleged that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) failed to organise transport for the team, leaving them stranded in Atlanta ahead of the tournament — a situation he says compelled him to use his funds to fly the team to Rio de Janeiro.
“I used my own money to help fund the Nigerian Super Eagles’ trip to the 2016 Rio Olympics, and till this day, the federation has not given me anything back,” Mikel said. “Honestly, I regret doing that.”
Former Super Eagles Captain Mikel Obi. Photo Credit: X
But Dalung, who oversaw Nigeria’s sports ministry during the Games, dismissed the claim, stating emphatically that no player, including Mikel Obi, paid for any flight.
“To the best of my knowledge as the Minister at the time, no player — Mikel Obi or otherwise- was authorised to arrange transport for Team Nigeria to Rio,” Dalung said in an interview with journalist Omafoma Ebare.
READ MORE: Nigeria vs Portugal – What to expect from Monday’s International friendly
He explained that while the team experienced a delay in Atlanta due to logistical setbacks, the ministry responded by securing a 35-seater aircraft for the squad. However, Mikel, as captain, reportedly rejected the aircraft on the grounds that it was too small for the 42-man delegation.
“The approved number for an Olympic football team was 25, and we arranged a 35-seater. When the plane arrived in Atlanta, Mikel rejected it, saying it was inadequate,” Dalung added.
“This was escalated to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and I submitted all necessary documents to show what had been arranged.”
Dalung said the team eventually flew to Brazil aboard a Delta Airlines commercial flight — the same airline that had transported them from Nigeria to the United States — as a gesture of goodwill.
“It was Delta Airlines that airlifted the team from Atlanta to Rio as part of their contribution to Team Nigeria. At no time did any player, including Mikel Obi, pay for a chartered flight,” Dalung concluded.
Former Olympic Eagles coach Samson Siasia. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Backing the former minister’s position, former U23 coach Samson Siasia also refuted Mikel’s account, insisting that flight costs were covered through alternative channels.
“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.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
He clarified that while Mikel may have helped settle some hotel bills, the flight arrangement came through connections and pressure from Nigerians in the U.S.
“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,” Siasia explained. “Earlier, Yemi Idowu had paid, but the aircraft was too small.”
Siasia went on to challenge Mikel to present proof of payment.
“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,” he added.
Despite the travel drama, the Olympic Eagles, led by Mikel and managed by Siasia, secured a bronze medal in Rio, continuing Nigeria’s tradition of strong performances in Olympic football.
