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On
Nov.18.08 , In
Nigerian Football , by
Toyin
One of my fondest memories of the now dilapidated National Stadium in Surulere was the goal that Samson Siasia scored against South Africa in a 4 nil wallop many years ago. Of course, he went on to win a nations cup for Nigeria in Tunisia and also represented Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup in USA all in 1994.
More recently, he has been demonstrating his technical and tactical ability as national coach of (Under 21 and under 23) teams that came within a brink of winning gold in two major tournaments. In achieving these feats, he had to overcome many problems ranging from lack of funds to tools to work with.
Having made Nigeria proud to the extent that some citizens are calling for him to be the head coach of the senior national team, Samson Siasia has come a long way from the jerry curls wearing and sometimes undisciplined but highly skillful striker that many came to adore. These days, he is clean-shaven and very business like in his appearance and approach to his job.
Last night in Abuja, he gathered the cream of the society together for the launching of a most notable initiative-SIA One Football Academy. As I watched the program live on AIT, I could not but remember the critical saying in the book of Proverbs that says a man that is diligent in his business will have as company great people and not low lives. The role call of the attendees at the launch includes former number two man in Nigeria, top shots in sports, media magnates and corporate titans.
The above shows how far he has gone from a young boy kicking football around on the streets of Port Harcourt to an emerging national sports icon.
Just like his counterparts from other parts of mother earth has done in recent years, Samson Siasia decided to impact positively on the lives of our deprived but talented youth. I have written extensively on the potential of sports as a powerful tool to fight poverty if well harnessed. Well, the SIA One Football Academy is a great step in this direction.
When the quality of products that will be eventually turned out from this academy begins to appear to all, a tide would have begun to turn in football administration in our country. The future of a nation can be easily determined by the reality of her youth. When a nation adequately invests in her youth, the rewards would definitely be bountiful.
The opportunity given to Siasia to represent his country at various levels in the past is yielding fruits today. The impact of this may not be easily forecasted now but I can assure all that it will be great and it will be very positive.
It is about time that our former internationals take a cue from this and step up to better the lot of the youth of this great country through similar initiatives. To whom much is given, much is expected. Our country is in need of more Siasias, Kanus, Odegbamis and Lalokos.
It is my prayer and sincere believe that this academy would outlive all of us even as I sincerely congratulate the initiator and bid him God’s speed on this laudable journey.
29 Responses
I must commend Siasia’s effort and hope that our leaders and other well meaning Nigerian’s will take a cue from this applaudable step he has taken.
We should all learn to give back to the society that has impacted on us in one way or the other. I hope the Government and related parastatals will encourage him.
Interesting to read. I was one of the few people that believed so much in Siasia, that I asked all fellow Nigerians in Leeds to watch the U23 team as I believed they would win the Gold. Sadly it was not to be but anyone that watched the team, would indeed feel proud that it was being coached by a Nigeria.
My prayer is that we as a country will encourage men like Siasia who are both talented and passionate to work for their country. I am sure Siasia could use his good connections and goodwill for other commercial purpose to better his lot; but his foray into Football academy shows that he has one passion – to see Nigerian Footbal get to greater heights. I believe history will judge him well.
I hope his passion will not be destroyed like the spectacle of the situation with Ribadu. A man who devoted his life to fighting the staus quo and creating a good image for Nigeria to be treated the way he was. We seem to enjoy controversy as a country, otherwise why can we not emphasise principles above useless rules. What is wrong with a man being promoted 2x or even 3x if he does his work exceptionally well. I am sure the difference in salary would probably be N18,000 or should I say £100 (more grease to Soludo’s elbow).
Anyway sorry for the distraction. More grease to Siasia, I look forward to the day you will become the Coach/Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles; I am not fooled by the momentary spur of success with the Eagles; not when people like Kanu still remain in the team when they should actually retire and let the younger ones move us to the next level.
Toyin, Keep the good work up, I am sure you will be one of the voices we should keep listening to as long as you do not start dining with the people who will want to give you money to “Talk Rubbish”
Samson Siasia is a true patriot in evry sense of the word. I see him achieving greater things in the future and I know that he will continue to excel. He attitude is right and he is determined to succeed.
I hope others will rise up to support him.
HELLO,
GOOD DAY SIR/MADAM.HOW ARE YOU DOING? I HOPE ALL IS WELL IF SO THANKS BE TO GOD. I SAW THS SIA ONE FOOTBALL ACADEMY WHEN I WAS RADING SOCCER SATR ON THURSDAY, SO AM VERY GLAD THAT SAMSON SIASIAHAS HIS OWN ACADEMY NOW.
HE IS A GOOD FOOTBALLER AND A GOOD COACH,I DUE LIKE HIM TO COAH ME ONE DAY BEOOS I LEARN ALOT FROM HIM DURING HIS OWN TIME AND ALSO ON HIS COACHING CREW.BUT AS A FOOTBALLER NOW I WIL LIKE TO BE ON HIS ACADEMY ANYTIME I SEE YOUR REPLY IN MY MAIL.I DON;T WANT TO WATE OUT MY TIME NOW, I DON;T VE SPONSOR THAT WHY I NEED TO START FROM ANY FOOBALL ACADEMY.
I WILL LIKE TO STOP HEAR UNTIL I RECEIVED YOUR REPLY BACK TO ME. THIS IS ALSO MY PHONE NUMBER +2348063495197 MY REGARDS TO SAMSON SIASIA, MY REGARDS TO MEBER OF THIS ACADEMY AND ALSO TO EVERY ONE THAT SPONSOR HIM TO RAISE THIS ISSUE, MAY GOD BLESS ALL IN JESUS NAME, AMEN, BYE FOR NOW
FROM
KENDOC
Toyin, I bet if Siasia had been a businessman all along, he will always succeed because this is a man who truely knows what he wants to achieve in life. He sets objectives for himself and also makes extra efforts to see that these are achieved.
SIAOne Football Academy is a laudable project, this is a way for Samson Siasia to contribute his own quota to the development of the youths in this country through what he knows how to do best; Football.
Having said this, I still fear that with the calibre of the people we have at the helm of affairs in terms of sports in this country, his efforts will be frustrated. I read recently in one of the daily newspapers that some people at the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation) were not happy that Siasia did not mention their name while he was giving “kudos” to people that have contributed immensely to his success at the national teams (U-21 and U-23) during the academy launch at Abuja.
These bad elements at the NFF I am sure will stop at nothing to make sure this project fails as they may create some bureaucratic bottlenecks for Siasia to affect the smooth running of the academy. But it is these people that will fail.
I strongly believe that with the good intentions, the “never say never” attitude and connections of Siasia, the academy will definitely be a great a success.
Well done Siasia, the future Super Eagles Manager.
I agree with you Tunde! It is not easy to succeed in Nigeria with all the odds against one. However, like you rightly pointed out, Siasia will overcome at the end of the day.
i want to apply for the football acamdey.
i want to be part of you
i want to be part of you
i want to join you people
am a young talented footballer,a nigerian by nationality,i want to join your football academy so as to ensure my dream of becoming a world class star some day.i will really appreciate it if you can accept me to your academy.this is my mobile number in case yopu might need to know more about me.08030684703
I want to know much about the academy. Because i want to be part of it as a player. Please i want to know when the screaning will commense.Your immediate response will be appreciated. You can mail me on ridwan4sport@yahoo.com. Thanks
i want to know when the screaning will commense.
Ridwan, Alebiosu, Joel, Miracle and Freedom; I will contact you guys as soon as ‘am able to get in touch with the Academy. Please note that ‘am not a member of the board of the Academy; what I did is just to recognise and promote a good iniative. Cheers and do keep in touch.
pls i am avery good footballer who feautures to become a great player.but the problem is that ican i showcase myself.i can use boothlegs.well idwell at no 7 onoriakpo street ugborikoko effurun warri deltastate.my brother si also a skillfull player and we need admmission into siaoneacademy.your request is highly needed.send information about admission to vivid_imp207@yahoo.com and 08057776845,08072556676.thanks.
I JUST WANNA LET U KNOW THAT I HAVE INTEREST IN SIA ONE ACADEMY , HOW WILL I BE A MEMBER
MY EMAIL IS AZPUMPING4LOVE@YAHOO.CA AND MY NUMBER IS 07058039010
sir,may u direct how to register into sia one academy as a player. iam 15yrs old. i saw the advert, but where to purchase the form is what i want from u. Thank u.
goodday to you sia one iam 15 years of age how can i ba part of the academy pls help
Pls help me am 16yrs of age i want to be a world class footballer.Pls were is the acedemy located i want to be part of it pls reply my email my number is 08060172861.Thanks.
am a great football player who wish to show my talent in ur academy
i wish to give out all my talent in your football association. i still want to know if a keeper is also important i mean goalkeeper because that is the position i know that i can participate very good on it. THANKS FOR YOUR A FORT IN NIGERIA
I don’t know if i’m good enough, i’ve never played under a real coach before and i’ve being looking for an opportunity and i think i’ve just found please send the academy’s address to me.08055037388
i just want to know all about the programmar.
sir may God bless u as u read this message i want to join your academy but i do not know how i am a 14 year old boy i am also a very good and sensible player i can use both foot, my phone number is 08167067463 or my email aetakpoefe@yahoo.com
DEAR SIR,I am a young talented player living in Gombe,I am 18 years old I want to join your academy but I don’t know how ti go about it ,SIR please do something and it to my Email.I can try any to see I found myself in your academy,I am ready to work for my country and for anything else.thanks
my name is kevwe i am 16years of age,i base in warri delta state Nigeria. please how can i play in this academy. this is my email address i will be happy to receive ur mail.[kevwedavid@yahoo.com]
Sir, may i first of all congratulate u on the good job u are doing wit our youths. More grease to your elbow. I will like to be part of this your trend and project but how will i get into the academy is the question i ask. Give me a chance and i will prove u right, may be i will be next Taribo West to marshal the Eagles defense. Thank You.
i want to join ur academy bcos am a talented footballer.