Samson Siasia has now vowed to clear his name having been handed a life ban by world’s football governing body, FIFA.
WITHINNIGERIA reported that the ex-Super Eagles coach was due for a life ban after FIFA found him guilty of receiving bribes for the purpose of match-fixing.
The former Nigeria International has denied the allegations leveled against him by the football governing body.
Siasia, who also managed the Nigeria U20 and U23 teams at the world cup and Olympic competitions, was found guilty of “having accepted that he would receive bribes in relation to the manipulation of matches in violation of the Fifa Code of Ethics,” wrote Fifa in a statement.
However, the ex-coach vowed to clear his name of any dents.
“I’ve not done anything wrong and will continue to fight to clear my name,” Siasia told BBC Sport.
“Everything is now in the hands of my legal team.”
Prince Opukiri Jones-Ere, a subordinate of the former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official suggested that Siasia’s legal team will respond in due time.
“The coach was unable to address the press today (Saturday) as planned because he’s undergoing a lot of stress,” Jones-Ere said.
“His lawyers are studying the ruling and will make an official statement in a few days.”
The 52-year-old was a key part of the Nigeria side which claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title in 1994. The ex-Nigeria International made 51 appearances for the Super Eagles, netting 16 times during an international career that spanned over a decade.
As a one-time manager of Nigeria’s U-20 and U-23 sides, he led both teams to second-place finishes at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup and 2008 Beijing Olympics respectively.
Siasia was also fined CHF50,000 in addition to his lifetime ban.