Mikel didn’t pay for any flights - Siasia dismisses Mikel Obi’s claims of funding 2016 Olympic team’s travel

Siasia refutes Mikel Obi's allegations about funding the 2016 Olympic team's travel.

Former Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia and ex-Sports Minister Solomon Dalung have countered statements made by John Obi Mikel regarding the team's travel to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

What happened

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel claimed he paid out of pocket to cover the Nigerian U23 team's travel from Atlanta, USA, to Brazil during the 2016 Olympic Games.

In an interview, the Chelsea legend stated that he intervened when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) allegedly failed to provide the necessary logistics.

“I used my own money to help fund the Nigerian Super Eagles' trip to the 2016 Rio Olympics, and till this day, the federation has not given me anything back. Honestly, I regret doing that,” Mikel stated.

'Mikel didn’t pay for any flights' - Samson Siasia reacts

In a strong rebuttal, Samson Siasia, who coached the U23 team at the Olympics, dismissed Mikel’s claims as false and challenged him to provide proof of payment.

“Mikel did not pay for any flight tickets for the team. I say this as the head coach of the team then. He should bring the receipt if he paid,” Siasia said.

Siasia acknowledged that there were some hotel-related financial issues, but insisted flight arrangements were not part of Mikel’s responsibility.

“We only had issues in the hotel that we needed to sort out the bill. I think he did pay for some of the hotel bills, but for the flight to Rio, Mikel didn’t pay for it. Delta Airlines was the one that flew us to Brazil.

“Maybe he is broke and looking for money. He should try other means to make money. Mikel should stop talking about it,” he added.

'No player paid for charter flights' - Ex- Sports minister

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, also refuted Mikel’s version of events, describing it as inaccurate.

Speaking in an interview with Omafoma Ebare, Dalung asserted that no player had the authority to organize transportation for the national team.

“To the best of my knowledge as the Minister at the time, no player, Mikel Obi or otherwise was authorised to arrange transport for Team Nigeria to Rio,” Dalung clarified.

He admitted there was a delay in Atlanta due to logistical challenges but noted that the Ministry had arranged for a 35-seater aircraft, which Mikel reportedly rejected.

“The approved number for an Olympic football team was 25, and we arranged a 35-seater. When the plane arrived in Atlanta, Mikel rejected it, saying it was inadequate.

“This rejection was brought to the attention of then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. I explained to him that an aircraft had indeed been arranged and even submitted all supporting documents,” Dalung explained.

Dalung went on to clarify that the team eventually travelled to Brazil aboard a Delta Airlines commercial flight, describing it as a goodwill contribution from the airline.

“It was Delta Airlines that airlifted the team from Atlanta to Rio as part of their contribution to Team Nigeria. At no time did any player, including Mikel Obi, pay for a chartered flight,” Dalung said.

Despite the behind-the-scenes confusion and controversy, the Nigerian U23 team went on to claim a bronze medal in Rio.