Samson Siasia is a renowned Nigerian former professional footballer and coach, celebrated for his significant contributions to Nigerian football both on and off the field.
Playing Career
- Born: August 14, 1967, in Lagos, Nigeria
- Position: Striker
Club Career: Siasia’s professional journey began with Nigerian clubs such as Julius Berger, Flash Flamingoes, and El-Kanemi Warriors. He later moved to Europe, where he played for:
- KSC Lokeren (Belgium): 151 appearances, 31 goals
- FC Nantes (France): Part of the squad that won the Ligue 1 title in the 1994–95 season
- Also had stints with Tirsense (Portugal), Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Perth Glory (Australia), and Hapoel Tzafririm Holon (Israel)
International Career:
- Nigeria National Team: 51 caps, 16 goals
- Participated in the 1994 FIFA World Cup and was part of the squad that won the 1994 African Cup of Nations
Coaching Career
Transitioning into coaching, Siasia made notable impacts:
- Nigeria U-20: Led the team to the finals of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship
- Nigeria U-23: Secured a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics
- Nigeria Senior Team: Head coach from 2010 to 2011 and briefly in 2016
FIFA Ban and Return
In August 2019, FIFA imposed a lifetime ban on Siasia due to allegations of match-fixing. However, in June 2021, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced this ban to five years, which concluded in August 2024, allowing him to return to football activities .
Legacy
Siasia remains one of Nigeria’s most decorated football figures, both as a player and coach. His dedication to nurturing young talent and his achievements on the international stage have left an indelible mark on African football.
