Singida Black Stars Clear Nigerian Goalkeeper Obasogie of Match-Fixing Allegations
Tanzanian club Singida Black Stars SC have cleared Nigerian goalkeeper Amas Obasogie of match-fixing allegations after completing an internal investigation.
The club confirmed the decision in a statement released on Friday and signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Kassano.
According to the statement, concerns were earlier raised by fans, stakeholders, and some club officials over a number of mistakes made by the goalkeeper in recent matches. The games involved included Singida’s CAF Confederation Cup clash against Flambeau du Centre and league matches against Pamba Jiji FC and Namungo FC in the NBC Premier League.
The club explained that its Disciplinary Committee opened a preliminary investigation following reports that the errors might have been suspicious.
“After reviewing the incidents in question, considering the player’s defence, and receiving clarification from the club’s General Manager, the investigation found no evidence linking Amas Obasogie to match-fixing,” the statement said.
“The incidents that raised concerns have been determined to be technical errors within the game.”
Despite being cleared, the Nigerian goalkeeper apologised for the situations that created doubts about his performances.
“He has expressed regret over the incidents that led to the suspicions and has pledged to work on the shortcomings identified in his performances in order to regain the confidence of supporters and stakeholders,” the club added.
Following the outcome of the investigation, Singida Black Stars announced that the earlier three-month suspension placed on the goalkeeper has been lifted.
“In light of the findings of the investigation, the club has decided to reverse the earlier decision to suspend the player for three months. Amas Obasogie has been reinstated and is free to resume his duties with the team,” the statement concluded.
The decision will come as a relief to the Nigerian shot-stopper, whose reputation had come under scrutiny after the initial suspension sparked reactions within the football community.
