“Mikel wanted to come and play in the Olympics, I rejected his €50,000 bribe” – Samson Siasia Reveals (VIDEO)

The long-standing feud between former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia and ex-Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has once again made headlines in Nigerian football discourse. This time, it’s a controversy involving an alleged bribe offer before the 2008 Olympics.

Speaking recently on Elegbete TV Sports, Samson Siasia made a shocking reveal: He turned down a €50,000 (₦91 million) bribe from Mikel Obi’s agent ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. According to Siasia, Mikel refused to take part in the qualifiers but wanted to be included in the final squad heading to China.

“Mikel’s agent called me and offered €50,000 so Mikel could join the team for the Olympics,” Siasia claimed. “I told him, ‘He didn’t play the qualifiers, so I can’t remove one of the boys that helped us qualify just to take Mikel.’ That’s why he didn’t go.”

Despite Mikel’s absence, Siasia led Nigeria’s U23 team to the final, where they narrowly lost 1–0 to Argentina’s Messi-led side, securing a silver medal and national pride.