Samson Siasia without doubt is a Nigerian icon.

Who can forget that beautiful goal he scored against Diego Maradona’s Argentina at the 1994 World Cup Finals in the United States.

Siasia went on to coach Nigeria’s dream team to Olympics silver medal at the 2008 Games in Beijing and Bronze at the 2016 Rio Games. He was given the job to coach the national side the Super Eagles in 2010.

All that achievements have now paled into the night for Siasia. Late in August, the news came that FIFA has banned Siasia for life from participating in any football activities locally and internationally. The football world governing body in a statement said Siasia was banned for match fixing. Siasia’s ban has formed the talking point among football enthusiast across the continent of Africa. The man at the centre of it all, was himself surprised by the news. He vowed he would clear his name.

Siasia has now made good on that vow by filing an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sports to among other things stop FIFA from enforcing the ban until the appeal has been decided. The former Super Eagles coach is adamant that he is innocent.

Ohire Osayuware