Rangers have responded to claims made by Super Eagles winger Moses Simon, who alleged that tribalism denied him a professional contract during his trial with the Enugu club years ago — SuperEaglesNG.com reports.
The Enugu club stated on Friday after Simon shared his experience in an interview with Urban Dwell Sports.
General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Amobi Ezeaku signed the statement.
Rangers said it has never based recruitment 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 club said.
The club said it selects players based on football ability, discipline, character and commitment.
Rangers also said it has welcomed players, coaches and officials from different parts of Nigeria and across Africa for more than 50 years.
According to the club, many players have attended trials over the years. Some secured contracts, while others did not. It said football, technical and administrative factors shape those decisions.
The club added that its men’s, women’s and youth teams remain open to talented players from every part of Nigeria.
Moses Simon Recounts Rangers Trial
Speaking to Urban Dwell Sports in an interview published on Thursday, Simon alleged that Rangers denied him a professional contract because of his tribe, a claim the Enugu club has since rejected.
The Super Eagles winger said he spent three months on trial with Rangers. He also said he captained the trial squad during that period.
According to Paris FC forward, Rangers signed another player who had trained with the team for only one week.
“I’ve never told anyone this story. It’s the first time. But it’s a disgrace,” Simon said.
“I was dropped, not because I wasn’t able. That was just tribalism, not because of my game.”
The 30-year-old said he later received an explanation for the decision.
“And they said it was because I was from the north, or something,” he said.
Rangers Stand By Recruitment Process
Rangers rejected Simon’s account and defended its recruitment record.
The club said it would be wrong to describe Rangers as an organisation that discriminates against players because of their ethnic background.
It added that excellence, integrity, discipline, hard work and unity remain the values that guide the club.
Rangers said performance continues to be the main factor in giving players opportunities.
Simon now plays for Paris FC in France. He has also established himself as one of the Super Eagles’ regular players.
