Nigerian football will come under the continental spotlight  today as Rangers International of Enugu travel to Algeria to defend a 2-0 lead against MC Alger in the CAF Champions League, while El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri seek to overcome Raja Casablanca in Morocco in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Both clubs face difficult assignments, but Rangers hold a two-goal advantage, while El-Kanemi must build on their resilience in the first leg to keep their continental hopes alive.

Rangers beat MC Alger 2-0 at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday.

The Flying Antelopes showed resilience after goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off in the 13th minute for a foul on MC Alger forward Zakaria Naidji. Despite playing with 10 men, Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side remained organised and frustrated their opponents. MC Alger were also reduced to 10 when Oussama Benhaoua received a second yellow card in the 51st minute.

The match appeared headed for a goalless draw until Kenneth Igboke converted a penalty in the 84th minute. Substitute Emo James doubled the lead three minutes later.

MC Alger need at least two goals to level the aggregate and will look to exploit home advantage.

Rangers General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, has expressed confidence in the team.

“We won’t face anything. We will play and win them in Algiers. They can only shout, blow smokes and jump. We will come back to Nigeria joyous by God’s grace. Amen.

“We’ve worked so hard and we understand the antics. Already here and feeling at home,” Ezeaku said.

The Rangers delegation travelled early, via Istanbul, to allow the players time to settle before Friday’s match.

The first leg was followed by controversy after Rangers petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the conduct of some MC Alger supporters in Abeokuta.

The Enugu club alleged that some visiting fans damaged stadium seats and gained entry without paying. Rangers also raised concerns about disorder around the match and requested an investigation and disciplinary action against anyone found responsible.

The club sought assurances for the safety of its players, officials and delegation during the return fixture, and asked CAF to consider playing the match behind closed doors.

CAF’s Disciplinary Committee held  a virtual hearing on Thursday, but no verdict had been announced at the time of writing. Reports from Algeria also indicated that the match commissioner had submitted a strongly worded report on the conduct of MC Alger and some of its supporters in Abeokuta, and that ticket sales for the match had been suspended pending the disciplinary process. But in the end  there  was no restrictions on spectators for the decisive match .

Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has cautioned his players against complacency.

“We must approach the return leg like we are two goals down,” Ilechukwu said.

An early MC Alger goal could transform the atmosphere and pile pressure on the visitors. An away goal for Rangers would force the Algerians to score three.

Heartland FC Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke has also wished Rangers well, urging the team to play as a unit and refuse to be intimidated. Amuneke, a former Nigeria international, believes collective responsibility, courage and concentration will be essential.

Rangers must also be mindful of history. In 1976, they beat the Algerians 2-0 in Nigeria in the semi-final of the old African Cup of Champions Clubs, but lost 3-0 in Algeria and failed to advance.

Rangers reached this round by beating AS Sobemap of Benin Republic 5-4 on penalties after two 1-1 draws. MC Alger advanced with a 5-0 aggregate win over ASN Nigelec of Niger Republic.

Elsewhere, El-Kanemi Warriors, popularly known as the Borno Army, face a demanding assignment in Morocco after holding Raja Casablanca 2-2 in the first leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

El-Kanemi led in the sixth minute before Jordanian forward Mohammad Abu Zrayq, popularly known as Sharara, equalised in the 23rd. Nigerian-born forward Mathias Oyewusi put Raja ahead in the 61st minute, but El-Kanemi levelled in the 82nd. Raja finished with 10 men after Isaac Zidani was sent off late on.

The tie is finely balanced, although Raja have home advantage in the return.

El-Kanemi must reproduce their attacking determination while staying disciplined defensively against a side with considerable continental experience. Raja will be eager to avoid another lapse after surrendering their lead in the first leg.

Borno’s hopes rest on the Warriors

The campaign carries significance for Maiduguri and Borno State. El-Kanemi reached this stage with a 3-1 aggregate win over UDIB of Guinea-Bissau in the first preliminary round, with forward Nnamdi Mejuobi scoring twice in the opening leg.

The club is seeking to rebuild after relegation from the Nigerian top flight.

Raja remain formidable. The Moroccan club won the CAF Confederation Cup in 2018 and 2021.