Siasia expresses a renewed dedication to his passion, declaring he’s more motivated than ever. Read about his inspiring journey and future plans.
After his return to full-scale football activities, Coach Samson Siasia feels revitalized and ready to continue pursuing his lifelong passion for coaching.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Siasia, a celebrated former player and coach for the Super Eagles, has finished serving a FIFA-imposed suspension over allegations of match-fixing.
The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) reduced the initial lifetime penalty to five years in 2019.
During an event arranged by the supporters and guardians of Siaone Soccer Academy to celebrate his resumption into complete football activities on Saturday in Abuja, Siasia had a conversation with NAN.
He acknowledged that the past five years had been a challenging period of brief discomfort and psychological distress for him.
Siasia expressed his utter surprise and devastation over the ban, stating that it was for a wrongdoing he did not engage in.
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Without his knowledge, he claimed to have been charged, investigated, put on trial and sentenced.
No one ever notified me that I was being investigated for any accusations made against me.
I was banned without any opportunity to defend myself even for a second.
My only profession, the game of football, was hindered and I couldn’t fully practice it.
I am grateful to God that the night has passed, welcoming a new day where I can freely carry out my profession with consistent honesty and sincerity of character.
Throughout my more than 25-year coaching career, I have tenaciously upheld and preserved my principles and character with unparalleled sincerity that brooks no compromise.
He stated, “I have no intention of ever engaging in bribery, corruption or any form of unethical transactions.”
Despite the ban, the 57-year-old strategist stated that he would never be disconnected from football. He further explained that his passion for mastering new skills in the sport was not prohibited by this restriction.
His sole ambition was to witness Nigeria thrive, regain its rightful standing among successful football-playing nations worldwide.
I would like to let my supporters, both in Nigeria and beyond, know that I have not spent the past five years idle or lamenting.
Every single one of the 1,826 days was spent without wasting time in pain or despair.
During this time, I engaged in thoughtful contemplation and meticulous modernization while conducting a thorough assessment of the workings of the sport that has shaped my life since childhood.
Today, I return with greater determination, stronger commitment and unyielding spirit. Despite being down for five years, this is not the end as I remain undefeated.
He said that he is coming back to the game with renewed energy and readiness to pursue his lifelong passion.
Siasia extended his appreciation to everyone who supported him during the challenging times, including but not limited to his loved ones, advocates and sports reporters for their unrelenting support.
He was grateful to the committee comprising friends and parents of Siaone Soccer Academy for organizing an event in his honor.
