By Isaac Zaza
The long-standing tension between former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia and ex-Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has once again taken center stage in Nigerian football discourse. This time, it’s a double-barrel controversy involving an alleged bribe offer before the 2008 Olympics and a bitter dispute over flight arrangements to the 2016 Games in Rio.
“I Rejected €50,000 Bribe from Mikel’s Agent” — Siasia Alleges
Speaking recently on Elegbete TV Sports, Samson Siasia made a stunning revelation: he turned down a €50,000 (₦91 million) bribe from Mikel Obi’s agent ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. According to Siasia, Mikel refused to participate in the qualifiers but wanted to be included in the final squad heading to China.
“Mikel’s agent called me and offered €50,000 so Mikel could join the team for the Olympics,” Siasia claimed. “I told him, ‘He didn’t play the qualifiers, so I can’t remove one of the boys that helped us qualify just to take Mikel.’ That’s why he didn’t go.”
Despite Mikel’s absence, Siasia led Nigeria’s U23 team to the final, where they narrowly lost 1–0 to Argentina’s Messi-led side, securing a silver medal and national pride.
The Rio 2016 Clash: Mikel’s Claim vs. Siasia’s Denial
Fast forward to 2016, and the drama between the two resurfaces — this time, over who paid for the Olympic Eagles’ flight from Atlanta to Rio de Janeiro.
In multiple interviews, including a recent one on The Peter Crouch Podcast, Mikel Obi claimed he personally paid for the team’s flight when the Nigerian Football Federation failed to make arrangements.
“There was no money. I had to pay for a plane to get the team to Brazil,” Mikel said, adding that the NFF has yet to reimburse him.
However, Siasia has firmly denied this, challenging Mikel to provide proof.
“Mikel did not pay any flight money for Olympic Eagles,” Siasia said in a fiery response. “Let him show the receipt if he did. Maybe he’s broke and looking for money. He should try another hustle.”
Siasia explained that Delta Airlines eventually flew the team to Brazil after pressure from Nigerians in the U.S. He acknowledged that Mikel may have covered some hotel bills, but insisted the flights were handled separately by other benefactors, including businessman Yemi Idowu.
Who’s Telling the Truth?
This public spat has left many fans confused and disappointed. If Mikel’s claim is true, his efforts deserve recognition — especially given the consistent struggles Nigerian athletes face due to poor administrative support. If Siasia is right, then the false narrative could be an unfortunately attempt to rewrite history.
One thing is clear: this controversy speaks to deeper systemic issues within Nigerian football — lack of transparency, poor communication, and broken relationships between players and the federation.
Time for Proof, Not Words
To resolve the matter, documentation is key. If Mikel truly funded the team’s travel in 2016, providing a bank receipt or flight invoice would put the debate to rest and reaffirm his story. On the other hand, if no such evidence emerges, Siasia’s account will continue to hold weight in the court of public opinion.
Until then, Nigerian football fans are left with a troubling saga involving two national heroes whose legacies now risk being overshadowed by accusations and denials.
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