Enugu Rangers’ 2-0 victory over MC Alger in the CAF Champions League was followed by scenes of violence at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Sunday, with travelling Algerian supporters allegedly attacking a member of their club’s technical crew and destroying stadium seats.
The incident reportedly involved more than 400 supporters who expressed their anger after the Algerian champions conceded twice late in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie. Some supporters followed members of their team towards the players’ tunnel, where an assistant coach was assaulted before Nigerian police officers attached to the delegation intervened.
Former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba was also reportedly attacked by members of the MC Alger delegation in the VVIP section while attempting to exchange pleasantries after the encounter.
Security operatives subsequently locked down the stadium to prevent further violence.
On the pitch, Rangers overcame an early setback to claim a valuable advantage ahead of Friday’s return leg in Algiers. Goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off in the 13th minute, leaving the Nigerian champions to play with 10 men for most of the contest.
MC Alger were also reduced to 10 men after Oussama Benhaoua received a second yellow card in the second half. Rangers capitalised late in the game, with Kenneth Igboke converting a penalty before James Emo added the second goal three minutes later to seal the victory.
The result puts Rangers in a strong position ahead of the return fixture on October 23, but the Nigerian side will need to protect its advantage in Algeria to progress to the next stage.
The defeat also carries historical significance for the two clubs. In 1976, Rangers beat MC Alger 2-0 in the first leg of their African Cup of Champions Clubs meeting but lost the return leg 3-0, going out 3-2 on aggregate. MC Alger went on to win the continental title that year, defeating Guinea’s Hafia FC in the final. Rangers will be keen to avoid a repeat of that outcome as they seek to advance in this season’s competition.
