Samson Siasia expresses interest in returning as Super Eagles coach after FIFA ban

Former Nigerian international Samson Siasia has declared his willingness to manage the Super Eagles again, following the completion of his five-year ban for match-fixing.

The Olympic silver and bronze medal-winning coach was initially banned by FIFA from all football-related activities for life in 2019.

However, Siasia's lifetime sentence was lowered to five years after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

Siasia, who is now free to return to football activities, spoke on Kennis FM's Sports Salsa program, expressing his interest in the Super Eagles vacant head coach position.

"I am not a Messiah, however, we need to sit down and identify our priorities. We will see how things unfold," Siasia said.

This news comes as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) continues its search for a new Super Eagles coach, following the resignation of Finidi George in June.

Siasia is no stranger to the Super Eagles hot seat, having managed the team on two previous occasions. He first took charge in November 2010, replacing Swedish manager Lars Lagerback after a disastrous FIFA World Cup outing in South Africa.

However, his tenure was short-lived, as he was unable to qualify the team for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and was subsequently dismissed.

In 2016, Siasia returned to the Super Eagles for a brief stint following the resignation of ex-international Sunday Oliseh.

Siasia's experience with the national team, both as a player and a coach, makes him a strong contender for the vacant position.

However, the NFF may have other candidates in mind, and it remains to be seen if Siasia will be given another chance to lead the Super Eagles.