Coach Samson Siasia has stated that he is renewed and ready to continue his lifelong passion for coaching, following his return to full-scale football activities.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Siasia, a renowned former Super Eagles player and coach, has completed a ban imposed by FIFA for a match-fixing allegation.
Initially a lifetime penalty, the ban was reduced to five years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2019.
Siasia spoke to NAN on the sidelines of an event organised by friends and parents of Siaone Soccer Academy to mark his return to full football activities on Saturday in Abuja.
He admitted that the past five years had been filled with pain and emotional anguish.
Siasia said that the ban came as a shock to him and was very devastating, adding that it was for an offence he never committed.
He stated that he was charged, investigated, tried, and sentenced without being informed or given a chance to defend himself.
“I was never informed that I was under investigation for any allegation against me.
“I did not have the opportunity to defend myself even once before I was banned.
“I was prevented from fully practising my only profession, the game of football.
“But I thank God that the night is over, the day is here at last, and I am free again to practise my profession with my usual honesty and sincerity,” he said.
Siasia added, “In my over 25 years of coaching career, I have jealously guarded and maintained my principles and character with utmost uncompromising sincerity.
“I have never and will never partake in bribery, corruption, or dirty deals of any sort.”
The 57-year-old tactician, however, said that he remained deeply connected to football, adding that the ban did not prevent him from updating his knowledge of the game.
He expressed his sole aspiration to see Nigeria succeed and reclaim her rightful position among the successful football-playing nations of the world.
“I wish to inform my supporters across Nigeria and beyond that I did not spend the last five years idly or in lamentation.
“Not one day out of the 1,826 days was wasted in agony or hopelessness.
“It was a period of serious reflection and painstaking updating, and close appraisal of the dynamics of the game of my youth and adulthood.
“Today, I am back more resolved, more determined, more committed, and unbowed. For five years, I was down, but I am certainly not out because it is not over.
“I am returning to the game renewed and prepared to continue with my lifelong passion,” he said.
Siasia expressed gratitude to all those who stood by him during his trying moments, including his family, supporters, and sports journalists for their solidarity.
He appreciated the committee of friends and parents of Siaone Soccer Academy for hosting the event in his honour.
NAN.
