Samson Siasia has disputed John Obi Mikel’s claim that he personally paid for the Nigeria U23 team’s flight to the 2016 Olympics in Rio, challenging him to present receipts.
Former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia has denied claims by John Obi Mikel that he personally funded the Nigeria U23 team’s flight to the 2016 Olympics in Rio. In a recent podcast with Peter Crouch, Mikel said, “There was no money to pay for the flight… I had to pay for it. I funded it.” He claimed the team was stranded and that he stepped in.
However, in a video shared by journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, Siasia countered: “We didn’t pay for any flight to go anywhere. Delta Airlines flew us for free… Mikel didn’t pay for any flight. If he has receipts, let him show us.”
Siasia acknowledged Mikel helped settle hotel bills during the campaign but insisted flights were not among his contributions. The dispute has reignited conversations around Nigeria’s handling of tournament logistics, though Mikel’s dedication in captaining Nigeria to Olympic bronze in Rio remains widely respected.