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Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Rangers Int’l have officially petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF), asking it to order that the second leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie against MC Alger be played behind closed doors, reports BSNSports.com.ng.
The request follows misconduct by the Algerian club’s supporters in Abeokuta, including damage to stadium property after their 2-0 first-leg defeat.
According to Rangers management, the club has raised concerns about the reported destruction of a stadium entrance gate, unauthorised entry without payment of gate fees, vandalism of stadium seats and other disorderly acts.
In its petition, Rangers has requested urgent intervention from CAF, including consideration of appropriate precautionary measures ahead of the return fixture, scheduled for Friday, 23 October 2026, in Algiers.
Rangers International FC remains committed to fair play, respect for football regulations and the safety of players, officials, supporters and all stakeholders.
The club has confidence in CAF’s established processes and awaits its response. The Flying Antelopes secured the crucial victory with late goals from Kenneth Igboke and James Emo, showing resilience and determination against their North African opponents.
The match appeared headed for a tense finish until Rangers broke the deadlock in the 84th minute, when Igboke converted a penalty to put the Nigerian side ahead.
Three minutes later, Emo scored in the 87th minute to extend Rangers’ lead and seal a memorable victory.
The Nigeria side had produced an impressive performance to defeat Algerian giants MC Alger 2-0 in Abeokuta in the CAF Champions League, scoring twice in the closing stages despite playing with 10 men.
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The Nigerian champions secured the crucial victory through late strikes from Kenneth Igboke and James Emo, demonstrating resilience and determination against their North African opponents.
The encounter appeared destined for a tense finish before Rangers broke the deadlock in the 84th minute, when Igboke converted a penalty to give the Nigerian side the lead.
Three minutes later, Emo struck in the 87th minute to double Rangers’ advantage and seal a memorable victory.
Rangers’ achievement was particularly noteworthy because they had been reduced to 10 men, making their late attacking surge even more impressive against a side with considerable experience in continental football.
The victory represents a significant result for the Flying Antelopes, who will be encouraged by their ability to overcome both a difficult opponent and the disadvantage of playing with one fewer player.
MC Alger, one of Algeria’s prominent clubs, were unable to find a response to Rangers’ late double, leaving Abeokuta empty-handed.
For Rangers, the result provides a valuable boost to their continental campaign and reinforces their determination to compete against established African sides.
Rangers’ victory also offers an encouraging reminder of the competitiveness of Nigerian club football on the continental stage. However, the significance of the result for their overall campaign will depend on the competition, the stage reached and the outcome of 4he return fixture.
