Samson Siasia Completes FIFA Ban, Eyes Return to Coaching After Match-Fixing Scandal

Samson Siasia Completes FIFA Ban, Eyes Return to Coaching After Match-Fixing Scandal

Former Super Eagles coach and player Samson Siasia has officially completed his five-year ban imposed by FIFA due to match-fixing allegations.

The ban, which began on August 16, 2019, was initially a lifetime penalty but was later reduced to five years by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in 2019.

The CAS deemed a lifetime ban excessive, considering Siasia’s limited involvement and the fact that it was his first offense.

The match-fixing case traces back to 2010 when Siasia was approached with an offer to coach a club controlled by a match-fixer, in exchange for fielding specific players. Negotiations eventually fell apart, and the scheme did not progress further.

With the ban now lifted, there is widespread speculation that Siasia may resume his coaching career, potentially with Mighty Jets Football Club in Jos. However, Siasia has not made any public statements regarding his future plans.

Siasia’s football career has been marked by significant achievements. He earned 51 caps and scored 13 goals for Nigeria, playing a pivotal role in the 1994 FIFA World Cup team and the 1994 African Nations Cup-winning squad.

As a coach, he led Nigeria’s U-20 team to the final of the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the African Youth Championship title. Siasia also coached Nigeria’s U-23 team to a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He briefly served as head coach of the Super Eagles in 2016.