Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Rangers International FC of Enugu, have rejected claims by Super Eagles winger Moses Simon that he was denied a contract because of his ethnic background, insisting that the club has never discriminated against players based on tribe, religion or place of origin.
The club was reacting to comments made by the Paris FC star, who alleged in a recent interview that he failed to secure a contract with Rangers after a three-month trial because he was “not Igbo.”
In a statement signed by the club’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Amobi Ezeaku, Rangers described itself as a national institution built on merit, stressing that recruitment has always been based on football ability and character rather than ethnicity.
“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 for more than five decades, Rangers has remained one of Nigeria’s foremost football institutions, bringing together players, coaches and officials from different parts of the country in pursuit of sporting excellence.
“For over five decades, Rangers has stood as one of Nigeria’s foremost national football institutions. Although proudly rooted in Enugu and the South-East, the club has always belonged to Nigeria.
“Throughout its rich history, Rangers has been home to players, coaches and officials from virtually every part of the country and the continent, all united by one objective: excellence on the football pitch.”
Rangers further stated that footballing ability, discipline, commitment and good character remain the only criteria for recruitment, explaining that not every player who attends trials is eventually offered a contract.
“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. It would therefore be inaccurate to characterise Rangers as an institution that discriminates against players because of their ethnicity.”
The club also reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, meritocracy and equal opportunities, stating that its men’s, women’s and youth teams continue to recruit talented players 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.
“As one of Nigeria’s most historic football institutions, Rangers will continue to serve as a symbol of national integration, where talent speaks louder than tribe and performance remains the ultimate criterion for opportunity.”
The statement concluded with the club’s famous motto, “Never Say Die.”
Simon had earlier claimed that despite captaining the screening team during a three-month trial with Rangers, he was denied a contract because he was not of Igbo extraction.
“I went to Rangers and trained with them for three months. I wasn’t signed, but I was training with them. In fact, I was the captain of the screening team.
“I never told someone these stories. It was the first time. But it is a disgrace. That year I was dropped because I was not Igbo.”
The Super Eagles winger has since established a successful professional career in Europe, playing in the Netherlands, Belgium and France, and has become one of Nigeria’s most experienced international footballers.
