Nigeria goalkeeper Amas Obasogie in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has strongly denied allegations of match-fixing after being handed a three-month suspension by Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars following an internal investigation.
The 24-year-old was sanctioned after making errors that led to goals in a CAF Confederation Cup tie against Flambeau du Centre and an NBC Premier League fixture against Namungo FC.
The nature of the goals conceded reportedly raised concerns within the club, with Singida concluding that the mistakes had a decisive impact on the outcomes of the matches.
Obasogie, who joined the club from Bendel Insurance and had established himself as a regular starter, was regarded as one of the leading goalkeepers in Tanzania prior to the suspension.
Gopar backs Amas Obasogie to be cleared of match-fixing allegations
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, the Super Eagles shot-stopper rejected the allegations and insisted the incidents were genuine footballing errors.
“I was surprised by the allegations. After the game, I was accused of match-fixing simply because I made a few mistakes. I received the letter and was shocked. However, God is in control, and I believe I will come out of this stronger,” he told Footy-Africa.
He added:
“I don’t have any issues with anyone within the club. I am a peaceful person, a true professional, and disciplined. That’s why I don’t understand these allegations. I have never been involved in match-fixing in my career.”
Obasogie spent more than five seasons in the Nigerian Premier Football League before moving to Tanzania and had not been linked with any controversy.
He is a member of Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad and was part of the group that attended the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The suspension raises questions about his immediate future at club level, although the goalkeeper has vowed to clear his name.
