Keeper Obasogie Denies Match-Fixing Allegations as SWAN Backs Goalie, Calls Suspension Premature
Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas OEaglesbasogie has strongly denied allegations of match-fixing levelled against him by his Tanzanian club, Singida Black Stars SC, describing the claims as unfounded and damaging to his image and integrity.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday night in Benin, the former Bendel Insurance F.C. shot-stopper maintained that he has “never in his career engaged in match-fixing and will never do so.”
Obasogie insisted that the goals he conceded in recent matches were the result of footballing errors rather than deliberate misconduct.
The Sigida FC goalkeeper was on Friday handed a three-month temporary suspension by the club following the errors he committed during their CAF Confederation Cup clash against Flambeau du Centre FC and an NBC Premier League fixture against Namungo FC.
Reacting to the development, Obasogie said:
“I respectfully address the management, coaching staff, players, supporters, members of the press, and the entire football community regarding the allegation of match-fixing that led to my temporary suspension.
“ Let me state clearly and unequivocally that I have never engaged myself in any match-fixing and will never do so.
“The goals I 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.”
While admitting his mistakes and taking responsibility for his performance in the affected matches, Obasogie cautioned against equating on-field mistakes with match manipulation.
The goalkeeper, who represented Nigeria at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, stressed that he understands the grave implications of match-fixing in professional football.
“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,” he maintained.
The embattled shot-stopper further declared his readiness to appear before any disciplinary panel to defend himself and clear his name.
Reiterating his commitment to Singida Black Stars, Obasogie said the club holds deep personal significance for him and that he remains focused on helping the team achieve its domestic and continental ambitions.
He urged stakeholders and the wider football community not to interpret his errors as an indictment on his character.
SWAN Backs Obasogie, Describes Suspension as Premature:
Meanwhile, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State Chapter, has thrown its weight behind Amas Obasogie, describing the three-month suspension and insinuations of match-fixing as premature, procedurally flawed, and unsupported by credible evidence.
In a statement issued on Saturday morning in Benin and signed by its State Chairman, Kehinde Osagiede, and Secretary, Idahosa Moses, SWAN-Edo argued that the suspension violates principles of natural justice, procedural fairness, and established football governance regulations.
According to the association, a review of available match footage and related evidence indicates that the incidents in question amount to goalkeeping errors — a common and recognized risk in competitive football.
SWAN-Edo further noted that during the sequence leading to one of the goals, Obasogie appeared to have been impeded by an opposing attacker, an action which, under the Laws of the Game, could have warranted a foul.
The association maintained that no credible evidence has been produced to establish intentional wrongdoing, match manipulation, or conduct beyond an ordinary performance error.
Citing provisions of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Code and FIFA’s Code of Ethics, SWAN-Edo emphasized that match-fixing allegations require clear and intentional conduct supported by credible evidence, noting that confirmed violations typically attract severe sanctions such as lifetime bans.
The body also stressed the principle of presumption of innocence and the necessity of due process, referencing established sports law jurisprudence, including standards upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which requires clear and convincing evidence before disciplinary sanctions can be sustained.
SWAN-Edo further argued that imposing a suspension prior to establishing prima facie evidence undermines the player’s right to a fair hearing and violates procedural safeguards.
The association therefore called for the immediate of the suspension imposed on Obasogie, demanding a public clarification disassociating him from any unfounded match-fixing allegations.
While calling for an independent and transparent investigation to be conducted in line with due process, SWAN-Edo also sought protection of the player’s right to the presumption of innocence pending any lawful determination.
SWAN-Edo stated that its intervention is rooted in its commitment to fairness, equity, and the integrity of football governance globally.
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