Former Nigeria U-23 coach Samson Siasia has denied claims made by ex-Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel that he personally paid for the team’s flight to the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Mikel, in a recent appearance on a podcast hosted by former England star Peter Crouch, alleged that he funded the team’s travel to Brazil because the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) failed to do so, and he was never reimbursed.
“There was no money to pay for the flight… I thought, why not? But to this day, I still haven’t been reimbursed,” Mikel claimed.
However, Siasia dismissed this account in an interview with journalist Callistus Ebare, clarifying that Mikel did not pay for any flight costs.
“Mikel Obi did not pay any flight money for the Olympic Eagles from the United States to Brazil,” Siasia stated. “We only had issues with hotel bills, which I believe he helped cover, but not flights.”
Siasia further explained that arrangements were made with Delta Airlines after concerned Nigerians in the U.S. intervened and resolved the flight challenges.
“Yemi Idowu had earlier paid for flight tickets, but the aircraft was too small. If Mikel has receipts, he should show them. As head coach, I can confirm he didn’t cover those flight costs,” he added, before taking a swipe at Mikel, suggesting, “Maybe he is broke and looking for money. He should try other means.”
Despite the logistical setbacks, the U-23 Eagles went on to secure Nigeria’s only medal at the Rio Games, winning the bronze medal after defeating Honduras 3-2.
