By Daniel Edu
Samson Sia Sia, former Nigerian football striker and coach, has refuted rumors linking him to the position of Super Eagles coach, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
Sia Sia, aged 56, previously coached Nigeria following Lars Lagerback’s departure from the Super Eagles in 2010. However, his tenure was cut short after failing to qualify for the AFCON 2012 tournament.
In August 2019, FIFA imposed a lifetime ban on Siasia from all football activities due to match-fixing allegations. Nevertheless, following an appeal, the ban was reduced to five years.
With his ban set to expire in August 2024, there were speculations suggesting he could succeed Jose Peseiro after the Portuguese coach’s contract with the Super Eagles concluded.
Sia Sia clarified that he did not apply for the coaching position, citing his ineligibility due to the ongoing FIFA suspension.
“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,” Sia Sia stated, as quoted by Complete Sports. “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.”
Despite being unavailable for the role, the silver medal-winning coach at the Beijing Olympics voiced his opinion on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) hiring a foreign coach.
“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,” he remarked. “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.”
Nigeria is scheduled to play against Ghana in the upcoming March International break, with the match set for Thursday, 21st March. Subsequently, the Super Eagles will face Uganda five days later.
