‘We struggled and made it to Europe’ - Siasia speaks on how difficult it was to secure a move out of the country

The Super Eagles legend was a key figure during his playing days, having helped the team dominate football in Africa.

He played a key role in Nigeria’s performance at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.

His performance then secured him a move abroad to play for the likes of FC Nantes, Perth Glory, KSC Lokeren, Al-Hilal and Hapoel Tzafririm Holon during his career. 

Reflecting on Nigeria's golden generation of footballers from 1990 to 1998, Siasia spoke about the career paths of players from his era with those currently representing the Super Eagles.

"The crop of players we had during that era, 1990-1998, were great players that left the shores of Nigeria, went to Europe and came back," Siasia told Emmanuel Babayaro on UTVAfrica. 

"It's not like now, where we are bringing in players from Europe to come and play for Nigeria—two different things."

"These are kids that were born in Europe or went at an early age and are doing well for their clubs and now they're back to play for the national team. 

“If they had a chance to play for a European country, they wouldn't come. We struggled and made it to Europe, but they were born there."