According to a NewsVista report, John Shittu, former agent to ex-Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi, has fired back at claims by former Nigeria U23 coach Samson Siasia that he offered a €50,000 bribe to include Mikel in the 2008 Olympics squad.
Siasia, in a recent interview, alleged that Mikel—who didn’t feature in the qualifiers—was pushed for selection through a cash offer from his agent. “Mikel wanted to play. His agent said he would give me €50,000 to include him,” Siasia claimed.
The coach said he turned down the offer and dropped Mikel from the squad, which eventually won silver in Beijing.
But in a swift response to The Cable, Shittu denied the accusation, calling it false and disrespectful. “I am one of the most respected agents in the game,” he said. “I don’t engage myself with damaged or inconsequential people.”
Shittu also alleged that Siasia had privately apologised to him before the matter resurfaced publicly.
The controversy has reignited conversations around transparency in national team selections and how backdoor dealings may influence major tournament rosters in Nigerian football.
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