Samson Siasia, a prominent figure in Nigerian football both as a player and coach, has recently completed a five-year suspension imposed by FIFA due to match-fixing allegations. 
Initially, Siasia faced a lifetime ban from football activities. However, in 2019, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) modified the lifetime ban to a five-year suspension, recognizing that the original punishment was disproportionate for a first-time offender with a relatively minor involvement in the offence.
The reduced ban, which began on August 16, 2019, has now concluded. Although Siasia has not yet made a public statement regarding his future, there is significant speculation that he might return to coaching, potentially with Mighty Jets Football Club based in Jos. This club is seen as a probable destination due to the current interest in his return to the sport.
The match-fixing controversy involving Siasia dates back to 2010. During this period, a match-fixer attempted to engage Siasia by offering him a coaching position at a club he was associated with, in exchange for selecting specific players. The deal fell through as the club either refused or failed to meet Siasia’s demands, which prevented the match-fixing plan from advancing.
CAS's decision highlighted the necessity of deterrent measures against match-fixing but also acknowledged that Siasia’s involvement was minimal. Consequently, the CAS overturned the initial CHF 50,000 fine imposed on him.
Siasia’s football career has been notable for both his achievements on the field and his coaching success. As a player, he earned 51 caps for the Nigerian national team, scoring 13 goals. He was a key member of Nigeria’s 1994 FIFA World Cup squad, which achieved international acclaim, and also played a crucial role in Nigeria's victory at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
In his coaching career, Siasia achieved significant milestones. He led Nigeria's Under-20 team to the final of the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and secured the African Youth Championship title. His leadership extended to Nigeria’s U-23 team, guiding them to a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Additionally, Siasia had a brief stint as the head coach of the Super Eagles in 2016, further cementing his role in Nigerian football history.
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