Samson Siasia, a prominent Nigerian coach, has refuted claims of applying for the vacant position of Super Eagles Head Coach, citing his ongoing suspension by FIFA as a significant hindrance.
He expressed regret that the timing of the job advertisement coincided with his suspension, acknowledging that had it come after his suspension’s expiration in August, he would have eagerly thrown his hat into the ring.
Siasia said:
“I did not apply for Super Eagles coaching job because I know FIFA has yet to lift the suspension on me. I don’t know where those who reported that I applied got their story from. It’s common sense, I cannot be suspended and be applying for a job. I know I would not even be considered for it,”
“The opportunity came too soon because I am still suspended until August 2024. If it had come after August this year, I would have been in contention to lead the Super Eagles. I feel bad, but I cannot help the situation I found myself in. I wish whoever gets the job best of luck.”
Siasia expressed disapproval towards the notion of appointing a foreign coach for the national team, asserting that there are numerous skilled and capable indigenous coaches who could perform the role more effectively.
“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. 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,” Siasia advised.
“The NFF should look critically at all the coaches that applied for the job and pick the one with the best results and who could manage the egos of our foreign-based players. Nobody will tell me that Finidi George, Emmanuel Amunike, Salisu Yusuf and others will not do better than Peseiro and Rohr” Siasia stated.
