'Will be slammed in his face' - Odegbami advises Siasia to turn down Super Eagles role post-Fifa ban

Segun Odegbami cautioned Samson Siasia about taking on the role of Super Eagles coach, expressing concern that it could potentially damage his reputation.

Siasia has been rumored to be in the running for the position following the lifting of a five-year ban imposed on him by FIFA for alleged match-fixing activities.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has not yet named a new technical adviser for the Super Eagles, despite two months having passed since Finidi George's resignation in June 2024. 

Finidi George, the former Ipswich Town player, stepped down from the role after overseeing just two matches. 

He was in charge during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Republic of Benin in Group C.

Nigeria's performance in the two matches was disappointing, with a 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Uyo Township Stadium followed by a 2-1 loss to the Republic of Benin in Ivory Coast.

The outcome prompted the Nigeria Football Federation to opt for the recruitment of a foreign technical advisor, resulting in Finidi George's resignation.

Samson Siasia, who is now eligible after the conclusion of his five-year FIFA ban for match-fixing allegations, is reportedly interested in becoming the new coach of the Super Eagles. 

Despite this, Segun Odegbemi, a former AFCON champion in 1980, has advised him against accepting the position.

Odegbami mentioned that his name might come up as a potential interim coach for the team. 

The 1980 AFCON winner cautioned Siasia against agreeing to this temporary arrangement, emphasizing that his reputation could be significantly harmed if he is unable to achieve success with the team.

"He was once acknowledged as FIFA's coach of the year," Odegbami stated in his weekly column according to the Vanguard.

"That was when he led Nigeria's Under-20 to the finals of the World Youth Championship in 2005, the under-23 national team to the finals of the Olympics in 2008, and a third place at the Olympics in 2016.

"In 2019, Samson Siasia was suspended by FIFA for 5 years following unsubstantiated charges of corruption against him.

"Having served the suspension, he is now free to return to football. He may have been pencilled down as part of an interim consortium of coaches headed by the Director of the Technical Department of the NFF, Austin Eguavoen, to handle the Super Eagles should a foreign coach not be hired in the next week.

"That arrangement is laden with danger for Samson.

"Should the team fail to win, his name will be added to those of other 'failed' Nigerian coaches, and the door to a future as head of the Super Eagles will be slammed in his face," Odegbami warned.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their qualification campaign for the 2025 AFCON with matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda in September.

Siasia has had two spells managing the Super Eagles in the past. 

He took over from Swedish coach Lars Lagerback in November 2010 but was relieved of his duties in October 2011 after failing to secure qualification for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

His second tenure was short-lived as he served as the interim coach in 2016 following Sunday Oliseh's departure.

Adeyemi Adewale

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com