By Ike Abonyi
A recent online interview featuring Super Eagles player Moses Simon saw him attempting to disparage Rangers International, seemingly in response to his alleged rejection by the club. Simon presented an improbable narrative, claiming he was prevented from playing for Rangers International of Enugu during a tryout due to his Northern origins.
This assertion is demonstrably false for anyone familiar with Rangers, a club that has historically and continues to feature numerous players from Northern Nigeria. It is posited that Simon, having achieved stardom, may have perceived his past rejection as a significant humiliation and fabricated this story as a form of retribution, inadvertently harming his own public image.
Rangers enjoys unparalleled popularity and a substantial fanbase throughout Nigeria, exceeding that of any other club. A significant portion of this devoted following also admires Moses Simon’s current achievements. By publicly denigrating such a prominent institution, Simon should anticipate considerable criticism.
His current stature may have led him to believe he has outgrown the sting of past setbacks, overlooking the many footballing luminaries who, after initial rejections, rose to prominence without seeking to tarnish the reputations of the clubs that once overlooked them. Notable examples include Mohamed Salah of Egypt and Liverpool, and Belgian stars Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, all of whom faced rejection from Chelsea in their formative years.
Simon appears to have been ill-advised in his public statements, which could have lasting negative repercussions on his professional career. Elevating one’s career by attempting to damage the reputation of a widely respected and beloved brand like Rangers is counterproductive. Dragging tribe into was clearly unwise. It is hoped that he will consider removing the interview or issuing a retraction.
Ike Abonyi, Global Upfront Newspapers (GUN) Editor@Large, is also a Rangers fan
