John Okoro
Ex-Nigeria U23 manager, Samson Siasia, has leveled explosive claims against former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.
Siasia revealed he turned down a €50,000 bribe offered by Mikel’s representative to secure the player’s Olympic inclusion.
The former coach alleged the agent pressured him to add Mikel to the 2008 Beijing Olympics squad despite the midfielder skipping qualifiers.
Siasia claimed Mikel, then struggling for consistent playtime at Chelsea, ignored requests to join Nigeria’s qualifying campaign.
Only after Nigeria clinched Olympic qualification with a tense 0-0 draw against Ghana did Mikel express interest, Siasia asserted.
However, records suggest Mikel featured in multiple Premier League starts around the qualifier, conflicting with Siasia’s “benchwarmer” narrative.
In an interview with Elegbete TV Sports, Siasia stated: “Mikel wasn’t starting at Chelsea—he was a substitute. I begged him: ‘Just one match against Ghana—help us qualify.’
“I warned him—no qualifiers, no Olympics. But he insisted Chelsea needed him.
“We delivered without him. Ghana match ended 0-0, we secured our spot.
“Suddenly, Mikel wants in. His agent offers €50K to fast-track his selection.
“I refused. Those who earned qualification stay. Mikel’s money couldn’t buy his ticket.”
Gbenga Adebayo
