Coach Samson Siasia has expressed that he feels rejuvenated and ready to pursue his lifelong passion for coaching after resuming full-scale football activities.

The esteemed former Super Eagles player and coach recently completed a FIFA-imposed ban related to a match-fixing allegation. Originally facing a lifetime suspension, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) reduced it to five years in 2019.

Speaking to NAN during an event organized by friends and parents of Siaone Soccer Academy to celebrate his return to football on Saturday in Abuja, Siasia reflected on the past five challenging years filled with pain and emotional distress.

He revealed that the ban was a shocking and devastating experience for him, stemming from an offense he insists he did not commit.

Siasia noted that he was charged, investigated, tried, and sentenced without his awareness.

“I was never informed that I was under investigation over any allegation against me.

“I did not have the chance to defend myself for one second before I was banned.

“I was prevented from fully practicing my only profession, the game of football.

“But I thank God that the night is over, the day is here at last and I am free again to practice my profession with my usual honesty and sincerity of character.

“In my over 25 years of coaching career, I have jealously guarded and maintained my principles and character with utmost uncompromising sincerity.

“I have never and will never partake in bribery, corruption and dirty deals of any sorts,” he said.

The 57-year-old coach expressed that he remains deeply connected to football, noting that the ban does not prevent him from enhancing his understanding of the sport.

He emphasized that his sole ambition is to witness Nigeria thrive and regain its esteemed status among the world's successful football nations.

“I wish to inform my supporters across Nigerians and beyond that I did not spend the last five years in idleness or lamentation.

“Not one day out of the 1,826 days was wasted in agony or hopelessness.

“It was a period of serious reflection and painstaking updating and close appraisal and reappraisal of the dynamics of the game of my youth and adulthood.

“Today, I am back more resolved, more determined, more committed and unbowed. For five years, I was down, but I am certainly not out because it is not over.

“I am returning to the game renewed and prepared to continue with my lifetime passion,” he said.

Siasia conveyed his heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported him during his challenging times, including his family, fans, and sports journalists for their unwavering solidarity.

He also expressed his appreciation to the committee of friends and parents from Siaone Soccer Academy for organizing the event in his honor.