Enugu Rangers Reject Moses Simon’s Claim Over Failed Trial

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Enugu Rangers have dismissed claims by Super Eagles winger Moses Simon that he was denied a contract because he is not Igbo.

Moses Simon, now with French Ligue 1 side Paris FC, made the allegation during an interview with UrbanDwellSport, where he recalled spending three months on trial with the Flying Antelopes before failing to secure a professional deal.

The 30-year-old said he believed he had done enough to earn a contract and claimed members of the coaching crew were satisfied with his performances during 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 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 for one week and they signed him, a professional contract, they said because I was from the north or something.”

Rangers responded in a statement published on the club’s official 𝕏 account on Friday, firmly rejecting the allegation and insisting ethnicity has never influenced its recruitment process.

“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 said their identity have always reflected national unity despite being based in Enugu. They said: “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 also stressed that football ability, discipline and character remain the only factors considered when signing players.

The club said, “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 seven-time NPFL champions added that the current management has reinforced professionalism, meritocracy, diversity and inclusion across the club, with its men’s, women’s and youth teams continuing to recruit players from across Nigeria and beyond.

“Rangers remain 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,” the club said.

“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.”