In a candid interview on the Urban Dwell Sports podcast, the 30-year-old Paris FC forward revealed he spent nearly three months training with the club without a contract or salary, only to be released while a newly arrived Igbo player was signed after just one week of training.
Simon’s Revelations
Simon, who hails from Kaduna State with Benue-Idoma roots, described the experience as “a disgrace” — the first time he has publicly shared the story.
“I was dropped because I was not Igbo. It was tribalism. It’s not because of your game… I was there for three months. Then a guy came — I forgot his name, he’s an Igbo guy. He just trained one week and they signed him. I was even his captain.”
Simon added that he was often referred to as “Onye Hausa” during his time at the club, highlighting the ethnic undertones he perceived in the decision-making process.
Rise Despite Setbacks
Despite the setback at Rangers, Simon went on to build a successful professional career. He broke through with Enyimba and Shooting Stars before moving to Europe, where he has enjoyed spells with clubs in Belgium, France (Nantes and now Paris FC), and earned over 70 caps for the Super Eagles.
His revelations have sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians condemning tribalism in football while others called for caution and verification of the claims.
Rangers Yet to Respond
As of the time of this report, Enugu Rangers, the reigning NPFL champions, are yet to issue an official statement addressing Simon’s allegations. The club has a rich history and a passionate Igbo fanbase, but has fielded players from various ethnic backgrounds over the years.
Broader Implications
Simon’s story shines a light on the persistent challenge of tribalism and ethnicity in Nigerian domestic football. Many young talents from across the country continue to face barriers that have little to do with merit, a situation that hampers the growth and unity of the sport at the grassroots level.
The Super Eagles assistant captain’s courage in speaking out may encourage other players to share similar experiences and push stakeholders toward more transparent and merit-based selection processes.
Moses Simon’s journey from a rejected trialist to a key Super Eagles figure remains an inspiring testament to resilience and talent prevailing over adversity.
This story is developing. Stay tuned for any response from Enugu Rangers or further reactions.