Mistreatment of Ofoborh – fans, club or surgeons? Rangers have to respond

Two years past January, Rangers signed a promising midfielder on a pre-contract agreement, one described as being similar to Glen Kamara in terms of how he handled the ball but also with a physicality that would stand him in good stead in the Scottish Premiership – two years later and Nnamdi Ofoborh has never made it past pre-season testing in the summer of 2021.

Speaking at the time of his signing, former Aberdeen midfielder Jack Grimmer – who played with Ryan Jack and Ofoborh – gave an exciting insight into what to expect:

“Nnamdi is like that. He can glide past people and also find that zipped pass, he’s got a lot of range. He could be a shrewd signing. He’s got a great physical presence because he’s a good size and build.

“He’s got an engine and a robustness to get around and make tackles when needed. But he brought us calmness on the ball. We had plenty of pitbull, ratter-type midfielders.

“He helped by putting his foot on the ball and making the pass that got the team playing.”

The Nigeria youth international has never been able to get going with Rangers due to an unspecified heart condition, however, in January this year he spoke about one day being back in action which seems a far cry from his Instagram posts yesterday in which a cryptic message suggested that his treatment has not always been acceptable – whether this is the treatment from fans, Rangers or the cardiac specialists who would be managing his treatment is unclear.

Social media was awash with “he said, she said” last night, looking at who follows who, the usual routine for players about to eave clubs or who have fallen out of favour.

The fact is, until Michael Beale or someone else at the club explains what Ofoborh’s situation is then the void will be filled with speculation. Yes, the 23-year old will have been handsomely rewarded financially over the last two years but it isn’t his fault that he hasn’t been able to play, shouts to “just get rid of him” are so far off the mark and the club has a duty of care.

Likewise, the sort of condition that has struck Ofoborh isn’t something that our own medical team will have been equipped to deal with, as with most serious injuries, they will take their lead from whatever consultants or specialists the player has been sent to for further investigation and surgery.

This season has seen us lurch from one drama to the next and, hopefully, this one hasn’t been of our making but is one that we can fix, regardless of how many games Ofoborh did, or didn’t, play, he is still a Ranger and should be treated accordingly.