The General Manager of Enugu Rangers, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, has stated that the Nigerian champions are bracing for a hostile reception when they clash with MC Alger in Algiers on Friday, October 23.

The Nigerian representatives secured a 2–0 victory over MC Alger in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium.

However, the victory was marred at full-time when over 400 traveling MC Alger fans vandalised stadium seats, setting the tone for a charged atmosphere in the return fixture.

Speaking after the match, Ezeaku expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance under head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, describing the win as proof of the squad’s growing resilience and dedication to the nation.

“We give glory to God, and kudos to the Fidelis Ilechukwu-led boys,” Ezeaku said. “It was a serious fight, and the mentality is rising. We are not playing for this badge alone; we are playing for the nation.”

Ezeaku noted that he was impressed by the sheer passion of the opposition’s fans, who travelled in large numbers to back their team in Nigeria, acknowledging that it offers a glimpse of the intense atmosphere waiting for Rangers in Algiers.

Despite the pressure, he commended the players for staying focused and giving everything to secure the two-goal advantage.

“They fought with every fiber in them, and that is the true spirit of our club—the spirit of ‘Never Say Die,’” he added. (Daily Trust)