Enugu Rangers Refutes Simon's Allegation of Discrimination

The champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Enugu Rangers, have rejected assertions made by Super Eagles winger Moses Simon that he was not offered a contract following a three-month trial due to his non-Igbo ethnicity.

Simon, who is currently affiliated with French Ligue 1 side Paris FC, voiced these allegations during an interview with UrbanDwellSport.

The 30-year-old revealed that he trained with the club for three months, convinced he had demonstrated enough skill to secure a professional contract.

He mentioned that the coaching staff had shown appreciation for his displays throughout the trial.

“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 stated.

“I’ve never shared this story with anyone before, but it was disgraceful; I was let go because I wasn’t Igbo.

“I was there for three months, and then a guy whose name I can’t recall, an Ibo guy, only trained for a week and they offered him a professional contract, claiming it was due to my northern background or something.”

In response to these allegations, Rangers issued an official statement on their X account on Friday, affirming that while they respect every player's right to share their experiences, they have “never upheld, and do not uphold, any policy of discrimination based on ethnicity, tribe, religion, or place of origin.”

“While we respect every player’s right to share their personal experiences, it is crucial to clarify that Rangers International FC has never upheld, and does not uphold, any policy of discrimination based on ethnicity, tribe, religion, or place of origin,” the statement read.

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“For more than fifty years, Rangers has been recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading national football entities. While it proudly originates from Enugu and the South-East, the club has always represented Nigeria as a whole.

“Throughout its illustrious history, Rangers has welcomed players, coaches, and officials from nearly every region of the country and the continent, all driven by a common goal: excellence on the football field.”

The club also dismissed any notion that ethnicity has played a role in its recruitment strategy, asserting that footballing skill and character are the primary criteria.

“The club’s recruitment philosophy has always centered on football ability, character, discipline, and commitment, rather than ethnic identity.

“Thousands of players have trained with Rangers over the years. Some received contracts, while others did not. Such choices are inherent in football and are shaped by various sporting, technical, and administrative factors. Thus, it would be misleading to label Rangers as an institution that discriminates against players based on ethnicity.”

Rangers further emphasized that the current management has intentionally enhanced its dedication to professionalism, meritocracy, diversity, and inclusion, highlighting that the club’s men’s, women’s, and youth teams consistently recruit talented players from all over Nigeria and beyond.

The club reiterated its commitment to providing equitable opportunities for every athlete, irrespective of ethnic background, religion, or geographical origin.

“Rangers is dedicated to offering equal chances to every talented player without regard to ethnic background, religion, or geographical origin. The principles that define this esteemed club are excellence, integrity, discipline, hard work, and unity.

“As one of Nigeria’s most historic football institutions, Rangers will continue to act as a beacon of national unity, where talent outshines ethnicity and performance is the ultimate measure for opportunity.”

By James Agberebi