Tanzanian club Singida Black Stars have cleared Nigerian goalkeeper Amas Obasogie of match-fixing allegations and reinstated him to the first team following an internal investigation.
The club had suspended the former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper on 27 February for three months after a series of errors in recent matches raised concerns among supporters and club officials.
However, a preliminary investigation by the club’s disciplinary committee found no evidence linking the Super Eagles shot-stopper to match manipulation.
Obasogie. Photo Credit: Obasogie/Instagram
In a statement signed by chief executive Jonathan Cassano, the club said the incidents that triggered suspicion were simply mistakes made during matches.
“Singida Black Stars Club would like to inform the public that there was concern among the management, fans, and stakeholders following repeated mistakes in some recent games,” the statement said.
Those games included fixtures against Flambeau du Centre in the CAF Confederation Cup and domestic league matches against Pamba Jiji and Namungo FC.
“Due to this situation, the club management, through the disciplinary committee, initiated a preliminary investigation into suspicious reports regarding our player Amas Obasogie,” the statement added.
Amas Obasogie. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
“After the initial investigation, the player’s defence, and a clear statement from the club’s general manager, it has been determined that there is no evidence of match-fixing or deliberate misconduct.
“The incidents that raised concerns have been identified as technical errors within the game.”
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Following his suspension, Obasogie denied any involvement in match-fixing and said he would cooperate fully with the club’s investigation.
Singida also confirmed that the goalkeeper has apologised for his recent performances and pledged to improve.
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“Amas Obasogie has apologised for the circumstances that gave rise to these interpretations and has promised to work on the shortcomings that emerged to improve his level and restore the trust of fans and stakeholders,” the club said.
“In light of this, the club has decided to reverse the previous decision to suspend the player for three months, and the player has been allowed to continue his duties with the team.”
The decision comes as a relief for the Nigerian international, who had maintained his innocence since the allegations first emerged.
