Rangers deny Simon's claims of bias against non-Igbo players

Enugu Rangers have rejected claims made by Super Eagles winger Moses Simon. He said he was denied a contract with the club early in his career because he is not from the Igbo tribe, according to Saturday PUNCH.

Simon made these claims in an interview with UrbanDwellSport. He recalled training with Rangers for three months and believed he did well enough to earn a contract. But he said the club chose another player instead.

“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.”

Rangers quickly responded to Simon's allegations. The club's Chief Executive Officer, Amobi Ezeaku, released a statement titled “Rangers International Football Club’s Position on Ethnic Inclusion and Social Opportunity.” In this statement, the club firmly denied that ethnicity has influenced its recruitment decisions.

“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 highlighted its history of over fifty years to defend its image. They insisted that their roots in the South-East have never meant excluding other ethnic groups.

“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.”

Rangers also explained how they make decisions about players. They said that performance, not background, is the key factor.

“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,” the statement added.

“Indeed, the present-day Rangers have deliberately strengthened the club’s commitment to professionalism, meritocracy, diversity and inclusion. Rangers remains committed to providing equal opportunities to every talented player regardless of ethnic background, religion or geographical origin.”

Despite his disappointment with Rangers, Simon's career took a different turn. The winger, born in Jos and a product of GBS Academy, moved to Dutch club Ajax in 2013. He later played in Belgium and France, where he has become one of Nigeria’s most consistent players abroad.

Now 30, Simon has made over 400 club appearances in Europe and is close to reaching 100 caps for the Super Eagles since his debut in 2015.

Rangers are currently the champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League, having won their record-equalling ninth league title in the 2025/26 season.