Former Striker of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Samson Yebowei Siasia has insisted that he was abandoned by the Federal Government of Nigeria during his alleged match-fixing case.
Recall days ago that Siasia’s claimed that he received no help from the Federal Government during his fight to overturn his life ban from all football-related activities by FIFA over alleged match-fixing allegations.
The former Nantes FC of France player who opened up during an interview with AllAfrica said that he is not getting what he deserves and was neglected by his country.
Despite his sacrifices, the 53-year-old believes he is not getting what he deserves and was neglected by his country.
However, the Sports Minister Sunday Dare has hit back at Samson Siasia’s claims describing the former Super Eagles coach as a liar and insisted the Federal Government provided funds in support of Siasia’s legal battle.
Dare also vowed to expose “the facts of the cash” Siasia collected.
“Siasia is not telling the truth and the ministry and the government will come out with the facts of the cash he collected, of the efforts we made,” Dare shot back.
“He’s not telling the truth,” the Sports Minister added.
Siasia has now replied the Minister of Sports while also clarifying his initial allegations against the government which Sunday Dare questioned.
“Why would I lie when I need people to help me? I can’t begin to cause confusion when I actually need sympathy and help from people,” Siasia said as quoted by All Africa.
“If I said anything in an interview that he disagreed with, he could have invited me to talk, not by going to the public and start embarrassing ourselves. I have very serious issues to worry about… those are the things I am worried about.
“I am disappointed. They should have taken the plea to the President and told him, this is one of our sons and he needs help. The President ought to know what is going on. I served this country.
“I won two Olympic medals [as coach], up until now, no handshake; I have trained more than 30 players for this country. Two Olympic medals and to date they have not told me what they would do, with all my players. Nothing.”
Siasia, 53, also went on to explain his relationship with Dare, insisting there are no personal differences.
“With due respect to the minister and his office, since I met him, he has been very nice to me,” Siasia continued.
“Why would I have a problem with him? He has tried his best to help me, that is what I am saying. But the position I maintain is that the Federal Government of Nigeria did not back me when I needed help most. I am not a liar.
“So I don’t understand which standpoint the minister is coming from. I only said the government did not assist me when I was in trouble with FIFA. I believe he is taking this fight now like his own fight because he is the one representing the government. That is the way I look at it. But I don’t lie. That is not fair to me, calling me a liar.”
