Samson Siasia Alleges €50,000 Bribe Offer from Mikel’s Agent Before 2008 Olympics

Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, has claimed he turned down a €50,000 bribe from the agent of Nigerian footballer John Obi Mikel, who allegedly attempted to secure a late spot for Mikel in Nigeria’s squad for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The explosive allegation was made during an interview on Elegbete TV Sports, reigniting an old feud between the former coach and Mikel.

According to Siasia, Mikel had skipped the Olympic qualifiers but later wanted to join the final team headed to Beijing. Nigeria eventually went on to win silver at the games, losing narrowly to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

Siasia alleged that Mikel’s agent approached him with a €50,000 bribe in exchange for the midfielder’s inclusion in the Olympic squad.

“Mikel didn’t play the qualifiers. His agent called me and offered €50,000 for him to join the squad,” Siasia revealed. “I refused, because I couldn’t drop any of the boys who helped us qualify just to take Mikel.”

Despite Mikel’s absence, Siasia’s U-23 team put on a remarkable performance, reaching the finals and earning Nigeria a silver medal a feat still celebrated in Nigerian football history.

“I stand by that decision. It was about fairness and rewarding those who fought to qualify us,” Siasia stated. The revelation has stirred fresh debates among fans, raising questions about ethics, favoritism, and transparency in Nigerian football selections.