‘I am free again’ – Samson Siasia reacts after the expiration of his 5-year ban

Former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia has officially returned to football after completing a five-year ban imposed by FIFA over match-fixing allegations.

Siasia, a revered figure in Nigerian football, spoke to NAN about the challenges he faced during the ban and his eagerness to contribute to the sport once more.

Reflecting on his experience, Siasia revealed that the past five years were marked by emotional pain and distress, but his connection to football never waned. He remained engaged with the game, using the time to update his knowledge and reflect on his career.

“I was never informed that I was under investigation for any allegation against me. I did not have the opportunity to defend myself even once before I was banned. I was prevented from fully practising my only profession, the game of football. But I thank God that the night is over, the day is here at last, and I am free again to practise my profession with my usual honesty and sincerity,” Siasia said.

Expressing his gratitude to those who stood by him during his ordeal, including his family, supporters, and sports journalists, Siasia emphasized his commitment to maintaining his principles and integrity. “In my over 25 years of coaching career, I have jealously guarded and maintained my principles and character with utmost uncompromising sincerity. I have never and will never partake in bribery, corruption, or dirty deals of any sort,” he asserted.

Siasia also spoke about how he spent the last five years in deep reflection and continuous learning, ensuring that he remained sharp and updated on the evolving dynamics of football. “Not one day out of the 1,826 days was wasted in agony or hopelessness. It was a period of serious reflection and painstaking updating, and close appraisal of the dynamics of the game of my youth and adulthood,” he noted.

Now, with his ban behind him, Siasia is eager to return to coaching, including a possible return to managing the Super Eagles. “Today, I am back more resolved, more determined, more committed, and unbowed. For five years, I was down, but I am certainly not out because it is not over. I am returning to the game renewed and prepared to continue with my lifelong passion,” Siasia declared.