Nigeria’s CAF Champions League representatives, Enugu Rangers, will be aiming for a convincing victory when they host Algerian champions Mouloudia Club of Algiers (MC Alger) in the first leg of their second qualifying-round tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Sunday.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions will be eager to reach the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition for the first time since its rebranding. However, they face a stern test against MC Alger, who are equally determined to return to the group stage and surpass their quarter-final finish from last season.
Rangers secured their place in the second qualifying round after edging past Benin Republic side Sobemap 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 aggregate score. The Flying Antelopes have since found their scoring touch, netting 11 goals in their last five outings.
MC Alger, meanwhile, booked their place in the second qualifying round with a commanding 5-0 aggregate victory over Nigerien side ASN Nigelec. After a goalless draw in the first leg in Niamey, the Algerian champions thrashed their visitors 5-0 in the return fixture.
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The visitors will now be hoping to secure a favourable result in Abeokuta to strengthen their position ahead of the return leg in Algiers.
For Rangers, the encounter represents a crucial opportunity to take a significant step towards the group stage while boosting Nigeria’s standing in the CAF club competition rankings. A stronger national coefficient could improve Nigeria’s chances of securing additional slots in future continental campaigns.
The MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta has served as Rangers’ home venue for continental fixtures this season after CAF deemed the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu unsuitable for hosting matches in its competitions.
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