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Nigerian champions Rangers International FC have petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over alleged vandalisation of stadium facilities and other acts of disorder involving supporters of Algeria’s MC Alger during and after their CAF Champions League encounter in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The Enugu-based club confirmed the petition on Monday, October 19, following Sunday’s first-leg second preliminary-round clash at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, where Rangers secured a 2-0 victory despite playing with 10 men for most of the encounter. Blueprint reports
In a statement, Rangers said it had formally reported the incidents to CAF and requested urgent intervention, including appropriate precautionary measures ahead of the return leg scheduled for Friday, October 23, in Algiers, Algeria.
The club raised concerns over the reported destruction of a stadium entrance gate, alleged unauthorised entry without payment of gate fees, vandalisation of seats and other acts of disorder involving some members of the visiting supporters’ contingent.
The petition comes amid reports that angry MC Alger supporters reacted violently after their team’s defeat, with more than 400 visiting fans reportedly involved in the unrest.
According to reports from the venue, some supporters damaged seats in the covered stands and followed members of the Algerian delegation towards the players’ tunnel, where an assistant coach was allegedly assaulted. Police officers attached to the visiting team reportedly intervened to prevent further attacks.
There were also reports of an incident involving former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba in the VVIP section of the stadium. The circumstances surrounding the reported incidents have not been fully established publicly.
Rangers said it had raised the concerns with CAF in the interest of protecting players, officials, supporters and other stakeholders involved in the competition.
Rangers seeks urgent intervention
In its statement, the club called on CAF to examine the incidents and consider measures to prevent a recurrence during the decisive return fixture.
The club’s petition reportedly includes a request for the second leg to be played behind closed doors, alongside calls for stronger security arrangements and appropriate action against those found responsible for the alleged misconduct.
Rangers also wants CAF to ensure that adequate safeguards are put in place to protect its players, technical crew and officials travelling to Algeria for the encounter.
Reports indicate that the Nigerian club has asked the continental governing body to require MC Alger and the Algerian Football Federation to provide assurances concerning crowd control, security and protection against violence or intimidation.
The club has also sought payment of admission fees it says were lost through alleged unauthorised entry at the Abeokuta venue.
Photographs and video recordings were reportedly submitted in support of the complaint.
However, the allegations remain subject to examination by the relevant football authorities, and no decision had been publicly announced by CAF on the petition as of Monday.
Rangers said it remained confident in CAF’s established procedures and was awaiting a response to its complaint.
The club also urged its supporters to remain calm, disciplined and focused as the team prepares for the return fixture.
Victory overshadowed by post-match disorder
The reported incidents overshadowed an important victory for Rangers, who overcame an early setback to secure a two-goal advantage in the first leg.
Goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off in the 13th minute after bringing down an MC Alger attacker outside the penalty area, leaving the Nigerian side to contest most of the match with 10 players.
The Algerian side was also reduced to 10 men in the second half after Oussama Benhaoua received a second yellow card.
Rangers eventually broke the deadlock through Kenneth Igboke, who converted a penalty in the 84th minute. James Emo added the second goal three minutes later to give the Nigerian champions a 2-0 win.
The result puts Rangers in a favourable position ahead of Friday’s return leg, although the team will need to maintain its advantage in Algiers to progress to the group stage of the competition.
The second-leg fixture has now taken on added significance, with attention focused not only on the football contest but also on the security arrangements for the visiting Nigerian delegation.
Rangers’ petition seeks to ensure that the concerns raised after the first leg are addressed before the teams meet again.
CAF yet to announce decision
CAF’s response to the petition could determine whether additional precautionary measures are introduced for the return match. However, until the governing body announces its position, there is no confirmation that the match will be played behind closed doors or that any disciplinary sanctions will be imposed.
The allegations also place renewed emphasis on the responsibility of clubs, supporters, match organisers and security agencies to protect stadium facilities and ensure that continental competitions are conducted safely.
While football matches can generate intense emotions, damage to public infrastructure and threats to the safety of players, officials or spectators undermine the conditions required for sporting competition.
For Rangers, the immediate priority is to prepare for the return leg while seeking assurances that its travelling delegation will be adequately protected.
The club will head to Algeria with a 2-0 first-leg advantage as it pursues qualification for the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League group stage.
With the return match scheduled for Friday, Rangers are awaiting CAF’s response to its petition while preparing for what is expected to be a challenging encounter against MC Alger on their home ground.
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