Rangers International have petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to order their CAF Champions League return leg against MC Alger to be played behind closed doors following the destruction of stadium property by visiting supporters in Abeokuta.
The Nigerian champions, Rangers International, made the request after defeating Algerian club MC Alger 2-0 in the first leg of their second preliminary-round tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
In a formal complaint sent to CAF, Rangers accused travelling fans of damaging stadium facilities, breaking down an entrance gate, vandalising seats, and entering the venue without following standard ticketing procedures.
Rangers, through their general manager and chief executive officer Amobi Ezeaku, asked CAF to investigate the incidents and impose appropriate sanctions. The club also requested payment of outstanding admission fees resulting from the unauthorised entry, providing photographic and video evidence alongside their petition.
The incidents have raised serious security concerns ahead of the return leg scheduled for Friday, October 23, in Algiers, Algeria.
The Nigerian side urged CAF to ensure adequate security measures are put in place to protect players, technical crew, and officials. They also asked that MC Alger and the Algerian Football Federation provide written assurances regarding crowd control and protection against violence or intimidation.
Rangers explained that their request for a closed-door match was intended to prevent further incidents and guarantee the safety of everyone involved, rather than punish responsible fans. The club cited several provisions of CAF Champions League regulations regarding disciplinary measures, ticketing arrangements, and match commissioner responsibilities.
Rangers urged CAF to review the match commissioner’s report before making a decision ahead of Friday’s encounter, stressing that football passion should never justify property destruction.
Despite the off-field concerns, the Nigerian club holds a solid 2-0 advantage heading into the crucial second leg as they target qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage.
 to order their CAF Champions League return leg against){kind=link}