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By Oscar Okhifo
Former Super Eagles head coach, Samson Siasia, is facing a ₦250 million legal threat from renowned football agent, John Shittu, following allegations that Shittu attempted to bribe him during the 2008 Olympic Games.
Siasia had recently alleged in an interview that Shittu, who once managed former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi, offered him a €50,000 bribe to include Mikel in Nigeria’s Olympic football squad.
The former coach’s claims quickly made headlines across Nigerian media and have sparked major discussions on sports platforms nationwide.
In response, Shittu has issued a legal notice through his counsel, Godwin Dick Inyang & Co., describing the claims as “false, malicious, and defamatory.”
The legal team is demanding an immediate retraction of the statement, a formal apology published in at least two national newspapers, and a written commitment from Siasia not to ever repeat the allegation.
According to the letter, failure to comply within 14 days will result in the commencement of legal proceedings, which may include claims for aggravated damages, an injunction, and full recovery of legal costs.
“The said publication was deliberately calculated to disparage and lower our client’s reputation in the eyes of the public and international football community,” the letter stated in part.
As of the time of this report, Siasia has not publicly responded to the legal notice.
The dispute has stirred reactions within Nigerian football circles, given the personalities involved and the implications for transparency and accountability in team selections.