Rangers International petition CAF over MC Alger supporters’ alleged stadium seats vandalism

Nigeria Premier Football League champions Rangers International have officially petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over alleged supporter misconduct during and after their 2-0 victory over MC Alger in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

The Flying Antelopes lodged the complaint following Sunday’s encounter at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Nigeria, amid reports that some members of the Algerian club’s travelling contingent damaged stadium property.

In a statement released on Monday, October 19, 2026, Rangers accused visiting supporters of allegedly destroying an entrance gate, vandalising stadium seats and entering the venue without paying the required gate fees.

The Nigerian club has called on CAF to intervene urgently, with concerns extending to the safety and security arrangements for Friday’s return leg in Algiers.

“The Club has raised concerns regarding the reported destruction of a stadium entrance gate, unauthorised entry without payment of gate fees, vandalisation of stadium seats and other acts of disorder,” Rangers stated.

“In its petition, Rangers has requested urgent intervention by CAF, including consideration of appropriate precautionary measures ahead of the return fixture scheduled for Friday, 23 October 2026, in Algiers.”

Rangers further reiterated their commitment to fair play, respect for football regulations and the safety of everyone involved in the game, while expressing confidence in CAF’s established procedures.

“We have confidence in the established processes of CAF and await its response,” the club added.

The petition comes after a fiercely contested first leg in which both teams finished with 10 men. Rangers were reduced to 10 players in the 13th minute but continued to compete before MC Alger also suffered a dismissal in the 52nd minute.

The Nigerian champions eventually broke the deadlock with an 83rd-minute penalty before James Emo struck four minutes later to secure a crucial 2-0 victory.

The result gives Rangers a two-goal advantage heading into the return fixture, although the reported post-match disturbances have added another dimension to the tie.

With the decisive encounter scheduled for October 23 in Algiers, Rangers will be hoping for a response from CAF regarding the precautionary measures requested in their petition as they prepare to protect their advantage and advance to the next stage.

The club concluded its statement by thanking supporters for their continued loyalty and urging them to remain calm and disciplined ahead of the return leg, reaffirming its familiar slogan: “Never Say Die.”