Former Nigeria Under-23 coach refutes Obi Mikel's claims over funding the 2016 Olympic trip

Mikel, in a recent interview, alleged that he personally financed part of the national team's trip to the 2016 Rio Olympics due to the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) failure to provide adequate support.

"I used my own money to help fund the Nigerian Super Eagles' trip to the 2016 Rio Olympics, and till this day, the federation has not given me anything back. Honestly, I regret doing that," said the former Chelsea midfielder.

Speaking to Pulse Sports, Siasia, who led the Under-23 team at the Games, strongly rejected the claim and called on Mikel to produce evidence.

"Mikel did not pay for any flight tickets for the team. I say this as the head coach of the team then. He should bring the receipt if he paid," Siasia responded.

He did concede that there were financial hiccups during the team's hotel stay, where Mikel may have stepped in, but he insisted that travel arrangements were handled elsewhere, adding that Mikel is probably is probably broke, that's why he talks about what happened.

"We only had issues at the hotel, and I think he did pay for some of those bills. But as for the flight to Rio, Mikel didn't pay. Delta Airlines was responsible for flying us to Brazil," said the former coach.

"Maybe he is broke and looking for money. He should try other means to make money. Mikel should stop talking about it."