Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has revealed he was denied a professional contract at Enugu Rangers due to tribalism, despite impressing during a three-month trial period. The Nantes forward, who is of Northern Nigerian origin, claims the club’s decision was based on his ethnicity rather than his football abilities. Simon made the disclosure during an interview on Urban Dwells Sports, marking the first time he has publicly spoken about the incident that shaped his early career.
Simon explained that he had spent three months training with the Enugu-based club, consistently performing well on the pitch and even captaining the team during his trial. He believed his efforts would lead to a contract offer. However, he was unexpectedly released without any formal explanation. Shortly after his departure, another player—of Igbo descent—joined the club, trained for just one week, and was immediately signed to a professional contract.
“I had been there for three months. An Igbo guy came, I’ve forgotten his name. He trained for one week and they signed him to a professional contract. I had been there for months. I was even his captain,” Simon recalled, highlighting the stark contrast in treatment. He added that he was later told the decision was influenced by his ethnic background. “They said it was because you are from the North,” he revealed, underscoring the deep-seated tribal bias he faced.
The experience left a lasting impact on Simon, who described it as one of the most difficult moments of his early football journey. He emphasized that the decision had nothing to do with his performance, stating, “It wasn’t because of my game; it was just tribalism.” The incident, which occurred years ago, remained unspoken until now, as Simon chose to focus on his career and personal growth.
Despite the setback, Simon went on to build a successful career, playing for top clubs in Nigeria and abroad, and becoming a key player for the Super Eagles. His story sheds light on the persistent issue of tribalism in Nigerian football, where talent is sometimes overshadowed by ethnic considerations. While the football community continues to grapple with these challenges, Simon’s openness may encourage others to speak out against discrimination.
As Nigerian football strives for inclusivity and merit-based selection, Simon’s experience serves as a reminder of the work still needed to ensure equal opportunities for all players, regardless of ethnicity or region. His journey from rejection to international stardom remains a powerful testament to perseverance and talent.
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