Rangers Reject Moses Simon's Ethnicity Claim Over Failed Trial
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Enugu Rangers have dismissed allegations by Super Eagles winger Moses Simon that he was denied a contract because he was not of Igbo origin, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Paris FC forward made the claim during an interview with UrbanDwellSport, where he recounted an unsuccessful trial with the Flying Antelopes earlier in his career.
Simon revealed that he trained with Rangers for three months and believed his performances had earned him a professional contract after captaining the club's screening team.
"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," Simon said.
"I've never told anyone this story; this is the first time, but it was a disgrace, I was dropped because I was not Igbo.
"I was there for three months, and a guy came I have forgotten his name, he's an Ibo guy, he just trained one week, and they signed him, professional contract, they said because I was from the north or something."
Responding to the allegations, Rangers released an official statement on the club's X account, firmly rejecting the accusation and insisting the club has never operated any form of ethnic discrimination.
"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.
"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."
The seven-time Nigerian champions stressed that recruitment decisions have always been based on footballing merit rather than ethnic background.
"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 further stated that its current administration remains committed to professionalism, meritocracy, diversity and inclusion, with players recruited from across Nigeria and beyond for its men's, women's and youth teams.
"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."
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