Former Nigerian coach Samson Siasia has opened up about his relationship with former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi, stating a tense dynamic that existed when he was the national team’s head coach.
In a podcast with ex-international Emmanuel Babayaro and journalist Matthew Edafe on Saturday, Siasia stated, “Mikel is a little bit out of my league. He’s stubborn and I cannot tolerate people like that, that much.”
Although the veteran coach did not mince words when addressing the challenges of managing the former Chelsea midfielder, He acknowledged Obi’s impressive performance during the 2016 Olympic Games, where Nigeria won the bronze medal. “The only good thing he did was the Olympics, he came out and played because I’ve warned him severally,” Siasia recounted.
Siasia further praised Obi’s leadership and contributions at the Olympic tournament. “He played very well and actually acted as a captain, and led the players well, and that’s why we got to where we got to,” he admitted.
When asked about the most complete player he has ever coached, Siasia noted Chinedu Ogbuke.
“You don see Chinedu dey play ball? Magician, even me I dey feel the boy, wetin he dey do for practice, do am for match. I salute am,” he said.
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