One of Nigeria’s most accomplished football figures both as a player and a coach, Samson Siasia, on Friday August 16, officially completed a five-year ban imposed by FIFA and is now cleared to re-enter the world of football.
The former Nigerian international, who just turned 57 on August 14, 2024, was initially handed a lifetime ban in 2019 over allegations of match-fixing.
Siasia’s ordeal began when FIFA accused him of agreeing to coach an Australian A-League team under conditions proposed by notorious match-fixer Wilson Perumal.
Although Siasia expressed interest in the coaching role, he insisted on receiving full clarification of the terms, showing caution in his responses.
Despite this, FIFA’s investigation concluded with a harsh penalty—a lifetime ban, later contested by Siasia.
Determined to clear his name, Siasia appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which in 2021 reduced the lifetime ban to a five-year suspension.
Additionally, CAS overturned a $50,000 fine that had been imposed on him, citing insufficient evidence to support the original lifetime sanction.
Reflecting on the experience, Siasia has consistently maintained his innocence, stating, “There’s no proof to that. When you talk about corruption, is it not when money exchanges hands and all that? There was nothing. There’s no video, no evidence of any wrongdoing.”
Siasia’s coaching résumé is one of the most impressive in Nigerian football history.
He is the only indigenous coach to have guided Nigeria to silver and bronze medals in the men’s football tournaments at the Olympic Games, achieving these feats in 2008 and 2016, respectively.
He also led the Nigerian U-20 team to a silver medal at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005.
Now that his ban has ended, there is speculation that the Nigeria Football Federation may consider Siasia for the vacant Super Eagles coaching position, following the resignation of Finidi George.
This would not be unfamiliar territory for Siasia, who has previously managed the Super Eagles on two separate occasions.
Beyond the national team, there are also reported interests from various clubs within Nigeria’s domestic leagues, including the Nigeria Premier Football League and Nigeria National League.
Among these, former NPFL champions Mighty Jets are rumoured to be in discussions with Siasia regarding a potential coaching role.
Before his ban, Siasia held a U.S. Soccer Federation coaching license and enjoyed significant success in his coaching career.
With his ban now behind him, Siasia is poised to make a significant return to the sport, potentially taking up a high-profile role either at the national level or within Nigerian club football.
