John Shittu, a prominent FIFA-licensed agent, has categorically denied offering a €50,000 bribe to Samson Siasia for Mikel Obi’s inclusion in Nigeria’s 2008 Olympic squad. The accusation stirs up questions about integrity and the price of footballing dreams, raising deeper concerns about ethical conduct in the sports world.
- Siasia claims Shittu tried to bribe him for Mikel's inclusion despite the midfielder's lack of participation in qualifiers.
- Shittu denies the accusation, calling it a "forgotten issue" and emphasizing his reputation in the game.
- Mikel Obi was ultimately not selected, and Nigeria went on to win a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- The bribe was reportedly offered after Mikel, then at Chelsea, failed to feature during the Olympic qualifiers.
- Siasia rejected the bribe, prioritizing merit and those who helped the team qualify.
- The incident sheds light on the intersection of money, influence, and sports selection.
- FIFA had previously banned Siasia for match-fixing bribes, although the ban was reduced to five years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
This revelation adds another layer of complexity to the intersection of football, money, and integrity. It challenges the ethical boundaries of sports management and the value placed on talent over fairness.
Rooted in the Storm.
Sources: Vanguard, Premium Times, Channels TV
