Samson Siasia, Nigeria’s Bronze winning coach at Rio 2016 has resigned from his post as head coach despite his team’s heroics this summer saying he’s doing so because of ‘a disrespectful system’
‘I have reached that point where I have to say I have had enough, I’ve gone several months without getting paid, years of being derided and disrespected by the sports authorities in Nigeria but I am done already.” Siasia, whose contract expires at the end of the Olympics, told BBC Sport.
It’s sad that after all we went through to get to Brazil and end up winning a bronze medal, the players, coaching and backroom staff never received a ‘thank you’ in appreciation despite a turbulent time at the Olympics” Sisasia added.
“First we had the minister deride us for camping in Atlanta and even denied our existence as a group before the flight problems,” recalled Siasia.
“Players had to embark on a strike to be heard, then the boys kept a good spirit to win an incredible medal, only to be publicly criticised for speaking to the Japanese surgeon who supported and rewarded the team for their brave spirit.
I’ve taken a deep look at everything and concluded that things need to change for us to progress as a country not just in football but our general lives. I have fulfilled my obligations as a citizen, footballer and coach; right now I do not want to be involved in the Nigerian football system anymore,” said Siasia.
The NFF, already heavily criticized for their treatment of the Nigerian football teams, are yet to respond to Siasia’s resignation.
Siasia is Nigeria’s most decorated coach at the Olympics after winning a silver medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.