Mikel Obi’s Former Agent Spits Fire Over Siasia’s Bribery Allegations

A recent controversy has erupted in Nigerian football following bribery allegations made by former Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia against John Shittu, the ex-agent of Super Eagles legend John Obi Mikel.

Shittu on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, according to sports247.ng, strongly refuted these claims, categorizing them as unfounded and not deserving of a serious response.

The Allegation: Siasia’s Claims

The controversy began when Samson Siasia, who coached Nigeria’s U23 team during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, alleged that John Shittu attempted to bribe him with €50,000.

According to Siasia, the purpose of the alleged bribe was to secure a place for Mikel Obi in Nigeria’s Olympic squad, despite the midfielder not participating in the qualification matches.

In a recent interview, Siasia recounted the events leading up to the Olympics.

He explained that Mikel, who was playing for Chelsea at the time, did not join the Nigerian team for the qualification campaign.

However, after Nigeria had secured a spot at the Olympics, Mikel expressed his desire to be included in the squad.

Siasia claimed that Shittu, acting as Mikel’s agent, approached him with a financial offer to facilitate Mikel’s inclusion.

“Going to the Olympics, Mikel wanted to come and play. His agent said he would give me €50,000 to include him,” Siasia alleged.

He emphasized that he rejected the offer, choosing instead to honor the players who had worked hard to secure Nigeria’s qualification.

“He didn’t play the qualifiers.

“So I should remove someone who helped us qualify to bring him in?

“It won’t happen. People who played to qualify should go,” Siasia stated.

Mikel Obi’s Olympic Journey

Due to Siasia’s decision, Mikel Obi was not part of the Nigerian squad that competed in Beijing, where the team went on to win a silver medal.

Despite missing out on the 2008 Olympics, Mikel later returned to the national U23 team, captaining Nigeria at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Under his leadership, Nigeria secured a bronze medal, further cementing his legacy in Nigerian football.

Shittu’s Response: Dismissing the Allegations

John Shittu, in response to Siasia’s claims, issued a statement to TheCable, a Nigerian news outlet.

He categorically denied any wrongdoing and dismissed the allegations as “damaging and inconsequential.”

Shittu defended his reputation, stating, “I am one of the most respected agents in the game.

“I don’t engage myself with damaged or inconsequential people.”

He suggested that the allegations were not only baseless but also unworthy of any serious consideration.

Furthermore, Shittu revealed that Siasia had privately reached out to apologize for making the allegations, though he did not provide specific details about the apology.

“As far as I am concerned, it’s a forgotten issue,” Shittu concluded, signaling his desire to move past the controversy.

Silence from Mikel Obi

As the story continues to make headlines, John Obi Mikel, the player at the center of the dispute, has yet to issue any public statement regarding the allegations or the responses from both Siasia and Shittu.

Mikel’s silence has left many observers waiting to hear his perspective on the matter.

Broader Implications

This incident has sparked renewed debate about transparency and integrity in Nigerian football, particularly regarding the selection process for national teams.

Allegations of favoritism and financial inducements have long been a concern among fans and stakeholders.

While Shittu has dismissed the claims, the episode serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Nigerian football governance.

Conclusion

The bribery allegations made by Samson Siasia against John Shittu have brought to light the complexities and pressures surrounding national team selection, especially for high-profile tournaments like the Olympics.

While Shittu has firmly denied any wrongdoing and considers the matter closed, the controversy has reignited discussions about fairness and merit in Nigerian football.

As of now, with Mikel Obi yet to comment, the story remains open-ended, leaving room for further developments or clarifications in the future.

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