Odegbami Urges NFF to Bring Samson Siasia Back as Super Eagles Coach
Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to consider appointing Samson Siasia as the Super Eagles’ coach, advocating for the return of an indigenous coach.
Writing in The Guardian on Saturday, Odegbami praised Siasia’s experience and deep understanding of Nigerian football, positioning him as the ideal candidate to reinforce the team’s technical leadership.
In his article, Odegbami described Siasia as a “silent operator” with intelligence and tactical brilliance, noting that he has always been influential without seeking the spotlight. Siasia’s coaching achievements include guiding Nigeria’s Under-20 and Under-23 teams to FIFA finals and leading the Under-23 squad to the Olympics final, where they narrowly lost to Argentina. His success earned him a place among FIFA’s top young coaches.
Although Siasia’s career was temporarily halted by a suspension from FIFA, Odegbami labeled it an “injustice,” pointing out that the alleged offence was one Siasia “was going to commit but never did.” Now that Siasia has served his suspension, Odegbami argues that he is prepared for a return, having spent his time in Europe sharpening his coaching skills.
Odegbami also suggested that Siasia work alongside current Super Eagles head coach Austin Eguavoen to strengthen the team’s technical and psychological depth.
He believes that appointing Siasia could end Nigeria’s reliance on expensive foreign coaches and provide the Super Eagles with the leadership needed for future success.