Coach, Samson Siasia Fires Back at Mikel Obi Over 2016 Olympics Flight Ticket Claim

• Former Nigeria U-23 coach Samson Siasia has denied the recent assertions made by former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel.

• Mikel claimed that the Nigerian football authorities did not reimburse him for the flight expenses to Brazil, despite these costs being part of the official budget.

• Mikel further accused senior officials of misappropriating the allocated funds.

Former Nigeria U-23 coach Samson Siasia has denied the recent assertions made by former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel. Mikel claimed that he personally financed the team’s flight to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Mikel made this statement during a recent podcast hosted by former England international Peter Crouch.

He asserted that the Nigerian football authorities did not reimburse him for the flight expenses to Brazil, despite these costs being part of the official budget. Mikel further accused senior officials of misappropriating the allocated funds.

“There is a story where you paid for everyone’s flight,” Crouch asked.

“Yeah, for the Olympics,” Mikel responded. “There was no money to pay for the flight. For most of these players, it was their first major tournament. So I thought, why not? But to this day, I still haven’t been reimbursed.”

Crouch then asked, “Wait, so you got a medal and have still not been paid?”

Mikel replied, “Nope.”

“Mikel Obi did not pay any flight money for the Olympic Eagles from the United States to Brazil,” Siasia stated.

Nonetheless, Siasia denied this account of the events during an interview with Nigerian journalist Callistus Ebare.

“We only had issues with hotel bills. I think he did pay for some hotel expenses, but not for flights.”

As stated by Siasia, the team flew with Delta Airlines following concerns raised by Nigerians residing in the U.S. He noted that a friend reached out to the chairman of the airline, resulting in a resolution of the matter.

“Yemi Idowu had earlier paid for flight tickets, but the aircraft provided was too small. If Mikel has any receipts, he should show them. As the head coach, I can confirm he didn’t cover those flight costs.”

Taking a swipe at Mikel, Siasia added, “Maybe he is broke and looking for money. He should try other means.”

Despite facing logistical challenges, the U-23 Eagles ultimately secured the bronze medal at the Rio Olympics, which became Nigeria’s only medal at the Games. The team arrived in Brazil just hours before their opening match against Japan, where they triumphed with a score of 5-4.