Nigerian Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie Rejects Match-Fixing Claims, Insists Mistakes Were Unintentional
Amas Obasogie has firmly denied claims of match-fixing leveled against him by his Tanzanian club, Singida Black Stars.
The goalkeeper’s statement came shortly after the club announced a three-month suspension while investigations into the allegations continue.
Obasogie’s troubles began following a last-minute mistake from a free kick in a Tanzanian League match that cost the Black Stars a 1-1 draw with Namungo FC. He had also made a notable error in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup playoff against Burundi’s Flambeau du Centre, which led to him being dropped for the second leg.
In a public response, the former Bendel Insurance captain stressed that his mistakes on the field were unintentional.
“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,” he said.
Obasogie also reaffirmed his dedication to the club, expressing readiness to appear before any disciplinary panel to clear his name.
“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 to Singida Black Stars SC. This club means a great deal to me, and I hold deep respect for its leadership, technical crew, 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 is the second Nigerian goalkeeper to face match-fixing allegations in recent months, following Maduka Okoye, who was suspended for two months by Udinese over a betting scandal.
