Moses Simon Alleges Tribalism at Rangers, Club Denies

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has alleged that he was denied a professional contract by Rangers International Football Club years ago because of his tribe.

The Enugu-based club has denied the allegation, insisting its recruitment decisions have always been based on merit and not ethnicity.

Simon, in an interview with Urban Dwell Sports published on Thursday, alleged that he was denied a professional contract during a trial at the Enugu-based club years ago despite captaining the trial squad, while another player who had trained for just one week was signed instead.

“I’ve never told anyone this story, it’s the first time. But it’s a disgrace, you know. That year, I was dropped, not because I wasn’t able.

“That was just tribalism, not because of my game. I was there for three months, and a guy came, I forgot his name, he’s an able guy. He just trained for one week and they signed him,” Simon said.

Pressed on why the club would overlook him after months on trial, Simon said he believed his background worked against him.

“And they said it was because I was from the north, or something,” he said.

Reacting in a statement signed by its General Manager/CEO, Amobi Ezeaku on Friday, Rangers said it had taken note of Simon’s comments but maintained that it has never operated any policy of discrimination based on ethnicity, tribe, religion or place of origin.

“While we respect every player’s right to recount his personal journey, it is important to clearly state that Rangers International FC has never maintained, and does not maintain, any policy of discrimination based on ethnicity, tribe, religion or place of origin,” the statement read.

The club noted that although it is proudly rooted in Enugu and the South-East, it has, for over five decades, positioned itself as a national institution that has fielded players, coaches and officials from across Nigeria and the continent.

“The club’s recruitment philosophy has always been based on footballing ability, character, discipline and commitment, not ethnic identity.

“Thousands of players have passed through Rangers over the years. Some earned contracts, others did not. Such decisions are part of football and are influenced by numerous sporting, technical and administrative considerations,” Rangers said.

Rangers added that it would be inaccurate to characterise the club as one that discriminates against players on account of ethnicity, stressing that its men’s, women’s and youth teams continue to welcome talents from across Nigeria and beyond.

“Rangers remains committed to providing equal opportunities to every talented player regardless of ethnic background, religion or geographical origin.

“The values that define this great club are excellence, integrity, discipline, hard work and unity,” the statement added.

The club described itself as a symbol of national integration, where “talent speaks louder than tribe and performance remains the ultimate criterion for opportunity.”

Simon, 30, currently plays for Paris FC in France and has been a regular fixture for the Super Eagles over the years.

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