Enugu Rangers have strongly denied allegations by Super Eagles winger Moses Simon that he was denied a contract because of his ethnic background, insisting the club has never discriminated against players on the basis of tribe, ethnicity or religion.
The seven-time Nigerian champions were responding to comments by the Paris FC winger, who claimed in a recent interview that he was released after a three-month trial with the Enugu-based club because he was “not Igbo.”
In a statement signed by the club’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Amobi Ezeaku, and posted on Rangers’ official X account on Friday, the club said it respects every player’s right to recount personal experiences but rejected the allegation of ethnic discrimination.
“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 described itself as one of Nigeria’s foremost football institutions, noting that although it is proudly rooted in Enugu and the South-East, it has always been a national club.
“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 maintained that ethnicity has never influenced its recruitment process, stressing that football ability, discipline, character and commitment remain the only criteria for signing players.
“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 club added that its current administration has strengthened its commitment to professionalism, meritocracy, diversity and inclusion, with its men’s, women’s and youth teams continuing to recruit talented players from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to the statement, Rangers remains committed to providing equal opportunities to every player, regardless of ethnic background, religion or geographical origin.
“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.”
The statement ended with the club’s famous motto: “Never Say Die.”
