Former Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia has finally opened up on the controversial decision to leave Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel out of the squad for the 2008 Beijing Olympics — a move that continues to stir debate among Nigerian football fans to this day.
In an interview with *Elegbete TV Sports*, Siasia revealed that he turned down a €50,000 offer from Mikel’s agent, who wanted the player included in the squad despite his absence during the qualifiers.
“I was offered €50,000 to bring Mikel into the team,” Siasia disclosed. “But I said no. He wasn’t there when we played the qualifiers, and I wanted players who were fully committed.”
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According to the former Super Eagles coach, he reached out to Mikel ahead of a crucial qualifier against Ghana, but the Chelsea star declined, choosing instead to stay with his club.
“He said he needed to focus on Chelsea. It was only after we qualified that he expressed interest in joining the team,” Siasia said.
Nigeria’s U23 side secured Olympic qualification after a goalless draw against Ghana — a match played without Mikel. Statistics show Mikel went on to feature in five Premier League games following that qualification, having already played in four before it.
Siasia’s decision remains one of the most talked-about moments in Nigerian Olympic football history. While many fans praise his stance on merit, discipline, and team spirit, others believe Mikel’s elite experience could have made the difference in Beijing.
Ultimately, Nigeria went on to win silver at the 2008 Olympics, falling narrowly to Argentina in the final — a team led by Lionel Messi.
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