Former coach of Nigeria’s Olympic football team, Samson Siasia, has dismissed claims made by ex-Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi regarding the team’s travel arrangements at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Afrosport reports.
Mikel recently stated on a podcast hosted by Peter Crouch that he personally covered the cost of the team’s flight from the United States to Brazil, alleging that funds meant for the trip were misappropriated by Nigerian football officials. He also claimed he was never reimbursed.
However, in an interview, Siasia challenged Mikel’s version of events. He acknowledged that Mikel may have helped pay for hotel expenses, but insisted the midfielder did not fund the team’s flight.
He further urged Mikel to provide proof of payment if such a transaction did occur.
“I think he did pay for some of the hotel bills, but that of the flight from United States to Brazil, Mikel did not pay for that. If Mikel has the receipt to that effect, let him show Nigerians that he was the one who paid,” Siasia said.
Despite the off-field controversies and logistical setbacks, Nigeria’s U-23 team managed to secure a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics, beating Honduras 3-2 in the third/fourth place match.
