Former Nigerian football striker and coach, Samson Siasia, has vehemently refuted swirling rumours linking him to the vacant position of the Super Eagles coach.
SiaSia, 56, who previously coached Nigeria after Lars Lagerback's departure in 2010, faced dismissal after failing to secure qualification for the AFCON 2012 tournament.
However, his coaching career was marred when FIFA imposed a lifetime ban in August 2019 due to match-fixing accusations. This ban was later reduced to five years following an appeal.
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His suspension is set to expire in August 2024, prompting speculation that he might succeed Jose Peseiro after the Portuguese's contract with the Super Eagles expired.
Siasia's Response to Coaching Speculations
Dismissing the rumours, Siasia clarified that he did not apply for the coaching role due to his ongoing FIFA suspension. He stated, as reported by Complete Sports, “I did not apply for the Super Eagles coaching job because I know FIFA has yet to lift the suspension on me.
"It’s common sense, I cannot be suspended and be applying for a job. The opportunity came too soon because I am still suspended until August 2024. I feel bad, but I cannot help the situation I found myself in. I wish whoever gets the job the best of luck."
However, Siasia didn't refrain from expressing his views on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) potentially hiring a foreign coach. He emphasized, “We should not waste our time and money hiring a foreign coach when we have qualified Nigerian coaches in the diaspora and domestic football scene.
"The NFF should not make the mistake again as the last two foreign coaches that handled the Super Eagles did not help develop the team,” echoing his sentiments regarding the coaching selection process.
Meanwhile, Nigeria gears up to face Ghana in the upcoming March International break. The two sides are scheduled to clash on Thursday, 21st March, followed by another match against Uganda five days later, where the Super Eagles aim to exhibit their prowess on the field.