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General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Rangers International FC of Enugu, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, has expressed confidence that the Nigerian champions will defeat MC Alger in Friday’s CAF Champions League return leg in Algeria, despite concerns over alleged violence and vandalism that followed the first-leg encounter in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Ezeaku said the Flying Antelopes were prepared for the challenge and would not be intimidated by the atmosphere surrounding the decisive fixture, insisting that the team had worked hard and understood the tactics that could be deployed by their opponents. Blueprint reports
“We won’t face anything. We will play and win them in Algiers. They can only shout, blow smokes and jump. We will come back to Nigeria joyous by God’s grace. Amen,” the Rangers chief executive said.
He added that the team had completed extensive preparations for the encounter and was already in Algeria, where the delegation felt comfortable ahead of the match.
“We’ve worked so hard and we understand the antics. Already here and feeling at home,” Ezeaku said.
His comments come amid heightened attention to the security of the Nigerian delegation following reports of disorder involving some supporters of MC Alger during and after Sunday’s first-leg match at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
Rangers won the encounter 2-0 despite playing with 10 men for most of the match, putting themselves in a strong position to secure qualification for the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
However, the victory was overshadowed by allegations of vandalism, confrontations and other acts of disorder involving members of the Algerian contingent, prompting the Nigerian club to petition the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for urgent intervention ahead of the return fixture.
Rangers petition CAF over alleged vandalism
In its petition, Rangers raised concerns over the reported destruction of a stadium entrance gate, unauthorised entry without payment of gate fees, damage to seats in the stands and other alleged acts of disorder at the venue.
Reports indicated that more than 400 travelling MC Alger supporters became agitated after their side failed to secure a favourable result, with some allegedly damaging stadium facilities following the final whistle.
The disturbances reportedly extended towards the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms, where members of the Algerian technical crew were confronted by angry supporters. An assistant coach was reportedly assaulted before security personnel intervened.
Former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba was also reportedly involved in an altercation with members of the Algerian delegation as he attempted to exchange pleasantries after the match. The precise circumstances surrounding that incident have not been fully established publicly.
The reports have raised questions about crowd control, the conduct of travelling supporters and the security arrangements required for high-profile continental fixtures.
Rangers subsequently called on CAF to investigate the reported incidents and consider appropriate precautionary measures to protect players, officials, supporters and other stakeholders during Friday’s return leg in Algiers.
The club also reportedly requested that the return fixture be considered for a behind-closed-doors arrangement as part of the measures to address its concerns.
CAF’s response to the petition had not been publicly announced in the reports available as of Tuesday.
The Nigerian club, meanwhile, has urged its supporters to remain calm and focused as the team pursues qualification, expressing confidence in CAF’s established procedures.
How Rangers overcame early setback
On the pitch, Rangers produced a determined performance to secure their two-goal advantage despite suffering an early setback.
The Nigerian side were reduced to 10 men in the 13th minute when goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh received a straight red card for bringing down MC Alger forward Zakaria Naidji outside the penalty area. Naidji had been played through on goal following a pass from Zinedine Ferhat.
The dismissal forced Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu to reorganise his team, with goalkeeper Lateef Ishola brought on as a replacement and forward Waheed Adebayo sacrificed to accommodate the change.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Rangers remained competitive and continued to frustrate the Algerian champions, who struggled to make their extra-man advantage count.
MC Alger’s situation changed in the second half when Oussama Benhaoua was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving both teams with 10 players.
Rangers capitalised on the more balanced contest late in the game. Defender Kenneth Igboke converted a penalty in the 84th minute to give the Nigerian champions the lead before James Emo struck three minutes later to seal a memorable 2-0 victory.
The late goals rewarded Rangers’ persistence and gave them a valuable cushion heading into the return fixture.
High stakes in Algiers
Friday’s encounter is crucial for both clubs, with a place in the group stage of the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League at stake.
Rangers will seek to protect their two-goal advantage against an MC Alger side expected to draw confidence from playing at home. The Algerian champions, who progressed from the previous qualifying round with a 5-0 aggregate victory over ASN Nigelec of Niger Republic, remain a formidable opponent despite their first-leg defeat.
The Flying Antelopes also had to negotiate a difficult route to this stage, eliminating AS Sobemap of Benin Republic on penalties after their earlier qualifying tie ended level on aggregate.
Their victory over MC Alger has strengthened their prospects of reaching the group stage, but the return leg will demand defensive discipline, tactical organisation and composure under pressure.
For Ezeaku, the priority appears to be ensuring that concerns arising from the first leg do not distract the team from its objective.
His confident remarks reflect Rangers’ determination to approach the contest without fear, even as the club seeks adequate assurances regarding the safety of its travelling delegation.
The return fixture will also test CAF’s ability to ensure that continental competitions are conducted in an atmosphere that protects participating teams and officials while upholding the principles of fair play.
Rangers will be hoping to convert their first-leg advantage into qualification and return to Nigeria celebrating a significant achievement in their continental campaign.
With two goals separating the sides, the Nigerian champions have the advantage, but their task is not complete. They must deliver another disciplined performance in Algiers to secure their place among Africa’s leading clubs in the competition’s group stage.
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