Samson Siasia is free to resume coaching after serving a five-year ban.

Samson Siasia is free to resume coaching after serving a five-year ban.

Samson Siasia, one of Nigeria’s most renowned football coaches, is now free to resume his career in the sport following a five-year FIFA ban. The former Nigerian international, who turned 57 two days ago, was first handed a lifelong ban by FIFA due to accusations of match-fixing. Siasia contested the 2019 ban in an effort to disprove claims that he took a job in the Australian League under the direction of Wilson Perumal, a renowned match-fixer. Nevertheless, the gaffer from Bayelsa found relief when the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) vacated the $50,000 fine and lowered the penalty to five years. August 16, 2024, is Siasia’s day of freedom to return.

Siasia is still the most successful coach to date, as seen by his resume, which lists him as the only native coach to win silver and bronze medals in the men’s Olympic football competition in 2008 and 2016, as well as a silver medal in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2005. After Finidi George resigned, leaving the Super Eagles position empty, there are many rumors that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may consider Siasia again, who has held the role twice. But there can be other options as well. Siasia’s skills are apparently being sought after by a number of teams in Nigeria’s local leagues, such as the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria National League (NNL).

Among these teams are the Mighty Jets, the NPFL champions from the past, who are reportedly in talks with Siasia over a possible role. Siasia had a coaching license from the U.S. Soccer Federation and a strong coaching record prior to his suspension.

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