Chief Operating Officer of the EuroMatchNPFL, Dr Ayo Abdulrahman, has urged Rangers International to build on their impressive first-leg victory over MC Alger and secure qualification for the group stage of the CAF Champions League when both sides meet in Algeria on Friday.
Abdulrahman, who was present at the first-leg encounter in Abeokuta to lend his support to Nigeria’s representatives, congratulated the Enugu-based side following their hard-fought 2-0 victory over the Algerian club.
Commending the players and technical crew for their determination, the NPFL chief noted that Rangers demonstrated remarkable character to overcome the challenge of playing with a numerical disadvantage.
"Rangers players showed determination to win even when they were one player down, and winning by two goals was a befitting reward for the hardworking players and managers of the team," Abdulrahman stated.
The victory has placed Rangers in a favourable position ahead of the return leg, but Abdulrahman cautioned that the Nigerian champions must not allow their advantage to breed complacency, particularly against an opponent expected to enjoy strong home support.
Rangers are scheduled to depart for Algeria on Tuesday as preparations intensify for the decisive fixture. The team will be seeking to acclimatise to the conditions and prepare for the atmosphere that often accompanies continental football encounters on Algerian soil.
Abdulrahman stressed that mental readiness, tactical discipline and the ability to manage pressure would be crucial to Rangers’ chances of progressing to the next stage of the competition.
"It's not going to be a tea party, don't expect them to offer you flowers. Stay focused, take the fight to them, and respond to the dictates of the game, especially when you have to defend," the NPFL Chief admonished.
His message underlines the need for Rangers to combine their attacking ambition with defensive discipline, particularly if MC Alger mount an early assault in a bid to overturn the two-goal deficit.
For the Nigerian champions, Friday’s encounter represents an opportunity to translate their first-leg advantage into a place in the lucrative group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
Beyond the club’s ambitions, qualification would also be significant for Nigerian football, as Rangers seek to help the country retain its four continental slots.
The return-leg fixture is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday in Algeria, with the forecast temperature expected to be around 26 degrees Celsius.
With a valuable lead in hand, Rangers will now be expected to demonstrate the composure, resilience and tactical maturity required to finish the job away from home.