On May 24, 2024, in the midst of the President Federation Cup excitement, a controversy has emerged involving Enugu Rangers and allegations of financial misconduct. The General Manager of Enugu Rangers, Amobi Ezeaku, has dismissed claims made by former Warri Wolves chairman, Moses Etu. Etu alleged that Ezeaku played a pivotal role in orchestrating Warri Wolves' elimination from the competition by financially incentivizing Kwara United players before their round-of-32 encounter at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Akwa. This match saw Kwara United narrowly defeating Warri Wolves, a Nigerian National League (NNL) team, 1-0 to advance to the last 16 of the competition.
Moses Etu, who is currently serving as a Senior Special Assistant on Sports to the Delta State Governor, took to Facebook to express his grievances. He accused Amobi Ezeaku of undermining Warri Wolves behind the scenes and publicly encouraging Kwara United players to secure a victory over his former team. Etu’s post read, “I blamed him (Ezeaku) for working against Warri Wolves behind the scenes and openly came out to tell Kwara players to beat Wolves. He gave them a substantial amount. Those who were present at the match saw what happened. There is always tomorrow.”
Reacting to these allegations, Amobi Ezeaku described the claims as absurd and unfounded. In a telephone conversation with our correspondent, he expressed his discontent with the accusations, suggesting that Warri Wolves should accept their defeat gracefully and prepare better for the next season. Ezeaku remarked, “Why are Warri Wolves crying? Did I play against them? They have lost and should take it in good faith. Let them prepare for next year, maybe they can do better.”
Ezeaku further elaborated on his actions, clarifying his relationship with the Kwara United General Manager, Bashir Badawiy. He stated, “The GM of Kwara United, Bashir Badawiy, is my friend. He called me when he arrived in Enugu, came to my office, and presented the club’s jersey to me. The following day, I went to their training session to motivate the players with the sum of N100,000. Is it not my money?”
Ezeaku emphasized his willingness to extend similar gestures to other teams, had they approached him. “If Moses Etu came to my office or even called me when Warri Wolves arrived in Enugu, I would have done the same thing for them,” he added.
The President Federation Cup, a prestigious knockout football competition in Nigeria, often sees intense rivalries and high-stakes matches. The recent encounter between Kwara United and Warri Wolves was no exception. Accusations of financial inducement in sports can have serious implications, potentially tarnishing reputations and affecting team morale.
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