Former Nigeria national team coach Samson Siasia has opened up about his strained relationship with legendary midfielder John Mikel Obi during their time working together.
Siasia, who is currently serving a reduced 5-year ban from football activities, did not mince his words when discussing Mikel, describing the former Chelsea star as ‘stubborn’ and ‘out of my league.’
Former Super Eagles coach discussed the inferior treatment local coaches face at the hands of NFF compared to foreign managers.
Siasia on Mikel Obi
Pulse Sports Nigeria reports this following a video making the rounds on social media where Siasia made the reveal.
“Mikel Obi is a little bit out of my league, stubborn and I cannot tolerate people like that,” Siasia stated in the video with disdain.
However, he was quick to acknowledge Mikel’s importance and leadership qualities, particularly during the 2016 Rio Olympics, where the team secured a bronze medal.
“The only good thing he did was that Olympics he came out and played because I had warned him severally, and he played as a captain and that’s why we got to where we did,” he added.
The comments shed light on the dynamic between the two Nigerian football icons, with Siasia seemingly finding Mikel’s strong-willed nature challenging to manage at times.
Mikel, who captained the national team for many years, was a crucial figure in the squad, and his performances and leadership were vital to the team’s success, even when his relationship with the coach was not always harmonious.
Siasia’s suspension, which was initially a lifetime ban imposed by FIFA over match-fixing allegations, was later reduced to five years on appeal.
The ban is set to expire in August 2024, allowing the former coach to potentially return to the game that has brought him so much fame.
The revelations about his clashes with Mikel Obi provide a glimpse into the complexities of managing strong-willed personalities within the national team setup, and the importance of finding a balance between individual talent and team cohesion.
