Samson Siasia: I am not qualified for Super Eagles job at the moment
Samson Siasia has dismissed speculations linking him to the vacant coaching position of the Super Eagles. Sportsration reports.
The 56-year-old, who in the past managed the Super Eagles, Olympic Eagles and Flying Eagles teams said he is not qualified to take the job due to his soon-to-end FIFA suspension.
SiaSia’s coaching stint with the Super Eagles began in 2010 following the departure of Lars Lagerback but ended abruptly after failing to secure qualification for the AFCON 2012 tournament.
In August 2019, FIFA imposed a lifetime ban on Siasia from all football-related activities due to alleged involvement in match-fixing. However, following an appeal, the ban was reduced to five years, with official reinstatement expected in August 2024.
Despite widespread anticipation of his potential return coinciding with the expiration of Jose Peseiro’s contract as Super Eagles coach, Siasia clarified that he refrained from applying for the position due to his 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,” stated SiaSia. “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,” he added.
Despite his ineligibility, Siasia expressed his views on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) considering foreign coaches, advocating for the promotion of local talent instead.
“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,” SiaSia emphasized. “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.”
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are peparing to face Ghana and Mali in the upcoming March international break.
