African Union Sports Council (AUSC) has appointed Samson Siasia, former Super Eagles head coach as its ambassador for Region 2 West Africa, marking a fresh chapter in the ex-international’s career.
Mustpha Michael, The council’s Secretary-General presented Siasia’s appointment letter on Thursday in Abuja, explaining that the decision was based on his pedigree as a former international, his experience at global competitions around the year 2000, and his continued involvement in football as a coach and academy owner.
Michael said Siasia would serve as the public face of AUSC activities across the 15 West African countries under Region Two. He noted that the former Eagles coach would play a prominent role at the West Africa Games scheduled for June in The Gambia, including participating in the official opening ceremony.
Beyond ceremonial duties, Siasia is expected to spearhead regional charity initiatives targeted at addressing country-specific social challenges, particularly youth-related issues. According to Michael, funds raised through these initiatives would be deployed within beneficiary countries to support grassroots development.
“He will help us engage presidents and ministers across the region. They know him more than they know me, and that influence will help us move faster,” Michael said
He expressing confidence that Siasia’s appointment would elevate sports development efforts in West Africa.
In his acceptance speech, Siasia described the role as a timely opportunity to re-engage with the sports system after years away from the mainstream.
“I have given a lot to Nigeria. This appointment has come at the right time, and I’m grabbing it with both hands,” he said, pledging to work closely with the council to develop policies that promote youth growth and empowerment through sports across the region.
Also presented with an appointment letter was Segun Makun, who was named AUSC’s marketing and business development lead.
Makun described his new role as a major challenge and pointed to his background in sports business, technology and international engagements, including work around NBA events in the United States.
He expressed optimism that working alongside Siasia would strengthen efforts to position West Africa as one of the continent’s leading sports regions.
