Former Super Eagles striker Samson Siasia has revealed that his temporary exit from the Nigerian national team came after he refused to pass the ball to legendary forward Rashidi Yekini during a crucial World Cup qualifier.

Speaking with Emmanuel Babayaro on UTVAfrica, Siasia reflected on the golden era of Nigerian football between 1990 and 1998, describing the incident as one of the lowest points of his career.

The clash happened during a 1994 World Cup qualifier against Ivory Coast in Abidjan. Instead of passing to the better-positioned Yekini, Siasia chose to shoot. Head coach Clemens Westerhof interpreted the decision as selfish play and promptly dropped him from the squad.

“I am a striker. Rashidi Yekini won’t give me that ball if it was him, that’s the truth,” Siasia said. “Sometimes you miss, sometimes you score. Rashidi was one of the greatest strikers I ever played with. May his soul rest in peace.”

Siasia, who helped Nigeria win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, admitted that being sidelined was painful but said the setback made him stronger.

“My downtimes? First was when I didn’t pass the ball to Rashidi Yekini and they had to kick me out of the team and I had to hustle myself back into the team. The one I passed to him, he couldn’t even score too. So things happen, we don’t take it personal,” he added.