As a player and lately a coach, Samson Siasia achieved relative success representing the country.
Despite not being a regular starter with the Super Eagles, Siasia lifted the 1994 African Nations Cup and went on to guide the Flying Eagles to the final of the 2005 U-20 World Cup
in the Netherlands. Three years later, he led the U-23 team to the final of the Olympics football event losing to Argentina for the second time.
However, the relative fame and success of the former Nantes forward is being threatened by a life ban by world football governing body (FIFA) over allegation of match fixing.
In the past, we have heard and read numerous reports of bribery allegations in our national teams camps but match fixing is an allegation that can hardly be traced to our coaches.
While there can be some surprise at the severity of the sanction, a swift and decisive clampdown on corrupt practice within the widely loved game of football is essential to preserving its integrity.
At the moment, it is still unclear whether Siasia commits the crime he is being persecuted for but it is important that the coach clears his name which he has built overtime.
On his part, Siasia has already denied all wrongdoing, and convened a press conference late last week, only to then decline to make a statement. It is believed that he was advised, at the last minute, to keep his counsel and make no public proclamations.
At the moment, it is important we keep sealed lips until we are able to see a clearer picture.
