Samson Siasia: Former Super Eagles Coach Picks All Time Best XI, Snubs Kanu and Obi Mikel

• Samson Siasia has disclosed his all-time Nigeria best eleven
• The former Super Eagles head coach made notable omissions
• Siasia labelled legendary midfielder Mikel Obi as 'stubborn'

Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, has selected his all-time best eleven for Nigeria, which notably excludes Nwankwo Kanu and John Obi Mikel.

In his selection, Siasia chose several of his former international teammates.

In goal, he opted for Vincent Enyeama, the country's most capped goalkeeper, over 1994 AFCON hero Peter Rufai.

As reported by Soccernet, Ben Iroha claimed the left-back spot, while Augustine Eguavoen is his preferred choice for right-back.

Siasia preferred former AC Milan man Taribo West and Uche Okechukwu for the central defence over Joseph Yobo and Stephen Keshi.

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His midfield trio consists of Mutiu Adepoju, Sunday Oliseh, and Austin Okocha, intentionally leaving out Chelsea icon John Obi-Mikel.

On the flanks, Siasia selected Emmanuel Amunike and George Finidi. Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria’s top goalscorer of all time and 1994 AFCON winner, took the centre-forward position.

Notably, there was no room for Arsenal great Nwankwo Kanu and former Portsmouth ace Yakubu Aiyegbeni. Chinedu Obasi Ogbuke, named the most gifted player Siasia ever coached, was not included in the best eleven because, according to him, he did not play for Nigeria at the World Cup.

Criticism of John Obi Mikel

Siasia also labelled legendary midfielder, John Obi-Mikel, 'stubborn'. The ex-Chelsea man, who represented the Nigerian side at Brazil's 2016 Rio Olympic Games, played a pivotal role in helping the team claim bronze.

As per Goal, Nigeria finished the preliminary stage as Group B winners, ahead of Colombia in second position, while Japan and Sweden crashed out. The team defeated Denmark 2-0 in the quarter-final before losing by the same scoreline to Germany in the semis.

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Siasia's men fought hard in the third-place play-off, defeating Honduras 3-2 to win the bronze medal.

Siasia opens up on FIFA ban

Sports Brief reported that Siasia opened up on the allegations that saw him banned by the world's football governing body, FIFA.

In 2019, the former Nigerian international was banned from all football-related activities for life and fined 50,000 Swiss Francs.

FIFA found the former Super Eagles handler guilty of accepting an offer to receive bribes to manipulate the outcome of matches.