I was down for five years; now I’m back – Former Super Eagles coach Siasia

Coach Samson Siasia adds that after getting back to full-time football activities, he feels more rejuvenated and ready to pursue his lifelong passion of coaching.

Siasia, a well-known former coach and player for the Super Eagles, has reportedly served out his FIFA ban following an allegation of match-fixing, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) decreased the penalty in 2019 from a lifetime to five years. On the fringes of an event hosted by Siaone Soccer Academy friends and parents to commemorate Siasia’s comeback to full football activity on Saturday in Abuja, Siasia spoke with NAN.

He admitted that it had been five difficult years of momentary pain and emotional anguish for him.

Siasia said that the ban came as a shock to him and was very devastating, adding that it was over an offence he never committed.

He said that he was charged, investigated, tried and sentenced without his knowledge.
“I was never informed that I was under investigation over any allegation against me.
“I did not have the chance to defend myself for one second before I was banned.

“I was prevented from fully practicing 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 practice my profession with my usual honesty and sincerity of character.

“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 and dirty deals of any sorts,” he said.

The 57-year-old tactician, however said that he was inseparable from football, adding that the ban did not forbid him from renewing his knowledge of the game.

He said that his one and only aspiration was to see Nigeria succeed and get back, and reclaim her rightful position among the successful football-playing nations of the world.

“I wish to inform my supporters across Nigerians and beyond that I did not spend the last five years in idleness or lamentation.
“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 and reappraisal of the dynamics of the game of my youth and adulthood.

“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 lifetime passion,” he said.

Siasia expressed gratitude to all those who stood by him during his trying moments, including his family, supporters, and sports journalists for their solidarity.
He appreciated the committee of friends and parents of Siaone Soccer Academy for hosting the event in his honour.