Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie can breathe easy again as his Tanzanian club Singida Black Stars SC has fully exonerated him of match-fixing allegations following an internal investigation.
The 26-year-old shot-stopper had been suspended for three months in February after raising eyebrows with a series of suspect performances.
The games in question included Singida’s CAF Confederation Cup tie against Flambeau du Centre and two NBC Premier League fixtures against Pamba Jiji FC and Namungo FC.
The club kept its cards close to its chest at the time, revealing little beyond confirming an investigation was underway. But in a statement released on Saturday, Singida Black Stars confirmed the probe found “no evidence of match-fixing or gambling” involving Obasogie.
The club went further, stating that the performances that sparked suspicion had been determined to be “technical errors within the game” – in other words, costly mistakes, not criminal intent.
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The suspension has since been reversed, and Obasogie is now free to resume his duties with the club.
According to former Super Eagles forward Mohammed Gambo, Obasogie should use the unfortunate episode to prove he is one of the best on the continent.
“When I saw the initial news and the videos that were attributed to his suspicion of involvement in match-fixing, I knew he was innocent,” Gambo, who is now a coach with Nigerian league side Kano Pillars, exclusively told Footy-Africa.
Obasogie denies match-fixing allegations after Singida suspension
“Anyone could have made those mistakes. It is part and parcel of the game, and even though it looks bad, in my opinion, it was an error any goalkeeper could have made. I am happy he has now been cleared, as such allegations are very heavy and not to be played with. I have known Amas for a while and personally, I did not think he would do such a thing. He is a very professional player and a good person for that matter.”
“With his innocence proven, I pray he gets his shirt back in the team and starts playing football again. I am very happy all of this is over and he can once again concentrate on his career.”
For his part, Obasogie has issued an apology for the circumstances that led to the controversy, pledging to address the weaknesses in his game and rebuild trust with supporters and club stakeholders.
The former Bendel Insurance and Ethiopian side Fasil Kenema goalkeeper joined Singida Black Stars last year and will be eager to put this turbulent chapter firmly behind him.
Gopar backs Amas Obasogie to be cleared of match-fixing allegations
For a player working to cement his place among Nigeria’s goalkeeping options, getting back on the pitch and back to form is now the only priority. With Stanley Nwabali out of action, this might be a good chance for him to claim a starting spot in the Super Eagles for this month’s international window.
