Nigerian goalkeeper denies match-fixing allegations after suspension

Nigerian goalkeeper, Amas Obasogie has strongly denied allegations of match-fixing levelled against him by his Tanzanian club, Singida Black Stars.

The goalkeeper spoke out hours after the Black Stars announced a three-month suspension for Obasogie while investigations into the claims continue.

The controversy followed a last-minute error from a free kick in a Tanzanian League match, which saw Black Stars drop points in a 1-1 draw with Namungo FC. He had also made a costly mistake in their 1-1 CAF Confederation Cup playoff first-leg match against Burundi’s Flambeau du Centre, leading to him being dropped for the second leg.

In a public statement, the former Bendel Insurance captain insisted his mistakes were not deliberate and rejected any involvement in match manipulation.

“I state clearly and unequivocally that I have never engaged in match fixing and will never do so. The goals conceded in the CAF Confederation Cup match against Flambeau du Centre and the NBC Premier League fixture against Namungo FC were the result of footballing errors, not deliberate misconduct. I accept full responsibility for my performance; however, mistakes on the field must not be mistaken for match manipulation,” Obasogie said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to Singida Black Stars and expressed readiness to appear before any disciplinary panel to defend his reputation.

“As a national team goalkeeper representing the great nation of Nigeria, I fully understand the severe consequences of match fixing. My integrity, reputation, and career are invaluable to me. I have sworn never to bring the game of football, my club, or my country into disrepute. I remain fully committed and dedicated to Singida Black Stars SC. This club means a great deal to me, and I hold deep respect for its leadership, technical crew, my teammates, supporters, sponsors, and every stakeholder associated with it. My focus remains on contributing positively to the team, maintaining our momentum, and working tirelessly to help the club achieve its ambitions of winning trophies both in the league and in continental competitions.”

Obasogie becomes the second Nigerian goalkeeper in recent months to face match-fixing allegations, following Maduka Okoye, who served a two-month suspension at Udinese over a betting scandal.