Former Super Eagles player and coach, Samson Siasia, has expressed his excitement to return to full-scale football activities after completing a five-year ban imposed by FIFA for match-fixing allegations.
Siasia, who had his lifetime ban reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2019, spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of an event marking his return to football.
He described the past five years as “painful” and “emotionally anguish-filled,” stating that he was never given the chance to defend himself against the allegations.
“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,” he said.
He emphasized his commitment to coaching with integrity and his desire to see Nigeria succeed in football.
During his ban, Siasia stayed connected to football, updating his knowledge and reflecting on the game.
He expressed gratitude to his supporters, family, and sports journalists for their solidarity and is now ready to continue his lifelong passion for coaching.
“I wish to inform my supporters across Nigeria and beyond that I did not spend the last five years idly or in 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 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 lifelong passion,” he said.
