Former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel’s long-time agent, John Shittu, has denied allegations made by ex-Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia, who claimed he was offered €50,000 to include Mikel in Nigeria’s 2008 Olympic Games squad.
Siasia, in an interview, alleged that Mikel, who was not part of Nigeria’s Olympic qualifiers, attempted to join the team after they had secured qualification to the Beijing Games, a move allegedly backed by a cash incentive from his representative.
“Going to the Olympics, Mikel wanted to come and play. His agent said he would give me €50,000 to include him,” Siasia claimed.
However, the former coach said he rejected the offer, citing fairness and loyalty to players who had helped the team secure Olympic qualification.
“He didn’t play the qualifiers. So I should remove someone who helped us qualify to bring him in? It won’t happen. People who played to qualify should go,” Siasia said.
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Mikel ultimately did not make the 2008 Olympic squad. Nigeria would go on to win the silver medal, falling to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final. Mikel later featured in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he captained the U23 team to a bronze medal.
Shittu Responds: “It’s a Forgotten Issue”
Reacting to the claims, John Shittu, who managed Mikel through most of his career, strongly denied the bribery allegation, describing it as both false and baseless.
In comments made to TheCable on Tuesday, Shittu also revealed that Siasia had since called him to apologise for making the remarks.
“I am one of the most respected agents in the game. I don’t engage myself with damaged or inconsequential people,” Shittu said.
The UK-based agent, who was instrumental in Mikel’s high-profile move to Chelsea in 2006, also indicated he has moved on from the controversy.
“As far as I am concerned, it’s a forgotten issue,” he added.
As of the time of this report, John Obi Mikel has not made any public comment regarding the allegation or the fallout between his former agent and coach.
