Enugu Rangers have intensified preparations for their CAF Champions League second-leg encounter against MC Alger after arriving in Algeria and holding their first training session under floodlights ahead of Friday’s decisive clash.
The Nigerian champions are in Algiers for the return leg of their second preliminary-round tie, scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Ali La Pointe Stadium in Douera.
The Flying Antelopes head into the encounter with a commanding 2-0 advantage following their victory over the Algerian side in the first leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, October 18.
Rangers’ first training session under floodlights represents an important stage of their preparations as the team adjusts to the local conditions and fine-tunes its tactics ahead of the crucial away fixture.
The Enugu-based side will be determined to maintain its concentration, defensive organisation and attacking discipline against an MC Alger team expected to push aggressively in front of its home supporters.
Head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu will be counting on his players to remain focused and avoid complacency despite their two-goal cushion.
Rangers produced an impressive performance in the first leg, overcoming an early setback that saw goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh sent off before eventually securing victory through a penalty converted by defender Kenneth Igboke and a late strike from James Emo.
The result puts the Nigerian side in a strong position to advance, but the team must negotiate a challenging atmosphere in Algeria to secure its place in the group stage.
MC Alger, meanwhile, face the difficult task of overturning the two-goal deficit. The Algerian club will be eager to exploit home advantage and put Rangers under pressure from the opening minutes.
However, the Flying Antelopes will be hoping to frustrate their hosts with a disciplined defensive display while looking for opportunities to score an away goal that could strengthen their grip on the tie.
Rangers’ early arrival in Algeria has also provided the squad with valuable time to settle down and prepare for the demands of the return leg.
The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Nigerian time on Friday, October 23.
With a place in the CAF Champions League group stage at stake, Rangers will be aiming to translate their first-leg advantage into a successful result on Algerian soil and continue Nigeria’s representation in Africa’s premier club competition.
