Siasia Denies Mikel’s Rio Flight Payment Claim

   Brazil, Nigeria:Former head coach of Nigeria’s U-23 team, Samson Siasia, has denied recent claims by ex-Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel that he personally funded the team’s flight to the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil.

Mikel, speaking on a podcast hosted by former England striker Peter Crouch, alleged that Nigerian football authorities failed to reimburse him for covering the team’s travel expenses. The former Chelsea midfielder said despite provisions being made in the 2016 federal budget, the funds were allegedly diverted by officials, forcing him to step in financially to ensure the team’s participation.

“There was no money to pay for the flight,” Mikel said. “For most of these players, it was their first major tournament, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ We made it there, but to this day, I still haven’t been paid back.”

However, Siasia has pushed back strongly against those assertions. In an interview with Nigerian journalist Callistus Ebare, the former coach said Mikel did not pay for the team’s flights from the United States to Brazil.

“Mikel Obi did not pay any flight money for the Olympic Eagles from the U.S. to Brazil,” Siasia said. “We had issues with hotel bills — and I believe he paid for some of those — but not the flight.”

According to Siasia, Delta Airlines arranged the team’s travel following intervention from concerned Nigerians in the United States. “A friend approached the Delta Airline chairman after pressure from the Nigerian community. Prior to that, Yemi Idowu had paid for tickets, but the aircraft was too small,” he explained.

“If Mikel claims he paid, let him show the receipt. I was the head coach, and to my knowledge, he did not cover any flight costs,” Siasia added, further suggesting that Mikel’s statements may be financially motivated.

Despite logistical challenges, including arriving in Brazil just hours before their opening game, Nigeria’s U-23 team went on to win the bronze medal — the country’s only medal at the Rio Games. Mikel played a key role in the tournament, scoring in the 2-0 quarter-final win against Denmark. The team eventually defeated Honduras 3-2 in the third-place match after falling to Germany in the semi-finals.

By Taiwo Olatinwo/ June 23,2025