Enugu Rangers reject Moses Simon's discrimination claims, say 'talent speaks louder than tribe'
Rangers International FC have strongly rejected Moses Simon's claims of ethnic discrimination during his trial at the club, insisting recruitment is based on merit.
Rangers International FC have strongly rejected allegations of ethnic discrimination following recent comments by Super Eagles winger Moses Simon about his experience during a trial with the club many years ago. Simon had earlier claimed in a viral interview that he spent three months training with the current NPFL Champions and believed he had shown enough to earn a deal, only to be overlooked in favour of another player.
"I went to Rangers and trained with them for three months. I was dropped because I was not Igbo, not because of my performance," Simon said. "I spent three months with the team, while another player trained just once and got a professional contract because he was Igbo. I never told anyone these stories. It was the first time. But it is a disgrace."
However, the nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions insisted they have never operated, and do not operate, any policy that discriminates against players based on ethnicity, tribe, religion or place of origin, in a detailed statement signed by General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Amobi Ezeaku. The Enugu-based club acknowledged Simon's right to recount his personal experiences but maintained that such claims do not reflect the values or recruitment philosophy that have defined Rangers throughout their history.
"Rangers International Football Club has taken note of comments attributed to Super Eagles star Moses Simon regarding his experience during a trial at the club many years ago," the statement read. "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 club emphasised its position as one of Nigeria's most historic football institutions, highlighting that despite its roots in Enugu and the South-East, Rangers has always represented the entire country. According to the club, players, coaches and officials from virtually every region of Nigeria and across the African continent have contributed to its rich history, united by a common pursuit of excellence on the football pitch.
"For over five decades, Rangers has stood as one of Nigeria's foremost national football institutions," the statement continued. "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 explained that recruitment decisions have always been based on football ability, discipline, character and commitment rather than ethnic identity. The club noted that thousands of players have passed through its ranks over the years, with some earning contracts while others did not.
The Rangers statement demonstrates how deeply the issue of ethnic identity remains embedded in Nigerian football. This is not the first time such allegations have surfaced, and it will not be the last. The club's response is a reminder that the fight against discrimination is not just about words but about actions.
This echoes the 1990s debates about ethnic balancing in Nigerian football, when clubs and the national team faced similar accusations. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: a recurring tension between merit and identity.
The winners: Rangers International FC, which has defended its reputation. The losers: Moses Simon, whose claims have been rejected, and Nigerian football, which must confront the uncomfortable questions raised by the allegations.
Bottom Line: Rangers say talent speaks louder than tribe. Moses Simon says otherwise. The truth is somewhere in between. Nigerian football must confront its demons, not just deny them.