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Enugu Rangers have formally petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the alleged unruly conduct of MC Alger supporters during and after their CAF Champions League second preliminary round first-leg encounter at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Sunday.
The Flying Antelopes secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over the Algerian side.
Kenneth Igboke and James Emo scored late in the game to give the Nigerian champions a significant advantage ahead of the return leg.
In a petition submitted to CAF’s Interclubs Competitions Organising Committee and Disciplinary Board, Rangers accused MC Alger supporters of breaking down a stadium entrance gate to gain access, bypassing ticketing procedures and vandalising seats after the match.
Read Also:CAF Champions League: Rangers Beat MC Alger 2-0 In First Leg
The club expressed concern over the incidents, describing them as serious threats to spectator safety, stadium security and the protection of football infrastructure during continental competitions.
Rangers have consequently asked CAF to order that Friday’s return leg, scheduled for October 23 in Algiers, be played behind closed doors as a precautionary measure.
The Nigerian champions also urged the continental football governing body to compel MC Alger to provide adequate security guarantees for the visiting delegation and implement effective crowd-control measures ahead of the decisive encounter.
Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men will now aim to protect their two-goal advantage in Algiers and secure qualification for the lucrative group stage of the competition.
By Adeboye Amosu
Adeboye Amosu is a seasoned sports journalist and Senior Content Writer with extensive experience covering Nigerian football and international football. He specializes in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), provides insightful coverage, match reports, news, and analysis of the domestic game. Adeboye also follows the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Chelsea, bringing his knowledge of the teams, players, and competitions to his writing.
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