RANGERS DENY MOSES SIMON’S TRIBAL BIAS ALLEGATION

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has claimed that he was denied a professional contract by Rangers International FC because of his ethnic background during a trial with the club several years ago.

The Enugu-based side has, however, strongly rejected the allegation, insisting that its recruitment process has always been guided by merit rather than ethnicity.

Speaking in an interview with Urban Dwell Sports published on Thursday, Simon recalled that he spent three months on trial with Rangers and even captained the trial team. Despite his efforts, he said he was overlooked while another player, who had trained for only a week, was offered a contract.

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According to Simon, he believes the decision had nothing to do with his football ability but was influenced by tribal considerations.

Reacting to the claim on Friday, Rangers International, in a statement signed by its General Manager and CEO, Amobi Ezeaku, dismissed the accusation, stressing that the club has never practiced discrimination based on tribe, ethnicity, religion or place of origin.

While acknowledging Simon’s right to share his personal experiences, the club maintained that its recruitment policy has consistently focused on football ability, discipline, character and commitment.

Rangers also noted that, despite being based in Enugu, the club has, for more than five decades, welcomed players, coaches and officials from different parts of Nigeria and across Africa.

The club explained that contract decisions are influenced by several sporting, technical and administrative factors, adding that many players have passed through its ranks over the years, with some earning contracts while others did not.

It further described as inaccurate any suggestion that it discriminates against players based on ethnicity, pointing out that its men’s, women’s and youth teams continue to provide equal opportunities to talented footballers regardless of their background.

Reaffirming its commitment to fairness and inclusiveness, Rangers said the club remains guided by the values of excellence, integrity, discipline, hard work and unity, describing itself as a symbol of national integration where talent and performance—not tribe—determine opportunity.

Simon, 30, currently plays for Paris FC in France and has been a regular member of the Super Eagles squad.