Siasia Opens Up On How He Was Dropped From Super Eagles

Siasia Opens Up On How He Was Dropped From Super Eagles

Sampson Adedeji 

Former Super Eagles forward Samson Siasia has revealed the circumstances that led to his temporary exit from the national team during his playing career, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The ex-striker described it as one of the toughest moments of his career, explaining that his decision not to pass the ball to legendary striker Rashidi Yekini in a crucial game cost him his place in the squad. 

Speaking on UTVAfrica with Emmanuel Babayaro, Siasia said the incident occurred during a 1994 World Cup qualifier against the Ivory Coast at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.

According to him, he opted to take a shot on goal instead of passing to Yekini, who was in a better position.

Then Super Eagles coach, Clemens Westerhof, interpreted the action as selfish play and subsequently dropped him from the team.

“I am a striker. If it were Yekini, he wouldn’t have given me that ball either, that’s the truth,” Siasia said.

 “Sometimes you miss, sometimes you score. Rashidi was one of the greatest strikers I ever played with. May his soul rest in peace.”

He added that despite criticism from fans and officials, his decision was not personal.

“My downtimes? First was when I didn’t pass the ball to Rashidi Yekini and they kicked me out of the team".

"I had to fight my way back. People talked about why I didn’t pass, but even when I did, he didn’t score. That’s football. You move on.”