Rangers petition CAF over stadium vandalism, others

Enugu-based Nigerian football club Rangers International on Monday petitioned the Confederation of African Football over alleged vandalism of facilities at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

The two sides met on Sunday for the first leg of their CAF Champions League second-round qualifying match.

The match, which ended 2-0 in favour of Rangers, later ended in violence as over 400 Algerian fans reportedly lost their temper after the final whistle, destroyed seats in the covered stands and allegedly attacked the Rangers’ assistant coach, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

However, in a statement on the club’s Facebook page, Rangers alleged that the visiting supporters destroyed a stadium entrance gate, committed “unauthorised entry without payment of gate fees, vandalisation of stadium seats and other acts of disorder.”

The club urged the continent’s football body to consider putting in place “appropriate precautionary measures” ahead of the return fixture scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026, in Algiers.

“Rangers International FC, Enugu, confirms that it has formally petitioned the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following incidents involving visiting supporters during and after our CAF Champions League fixture against MC Alger at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, on Sunday, 18 October 2026.

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“The Club has raised concerns regarding the reported destruction of a stadium entrance gate, unauthorised entry without payment of gate fees, vandalisation of stadium seats and other acts of disorder.

“In its petition, Rangers has requested urgent intervention by CAF, including consideration of appropriate precautionary measures ahead of the return fixture scheduled for Friday, 23 October 2026, in Algiers.

“Rangers International FC remains committed to fair play, respect for football regulations and the safety of players, officials, supporters and all stakeholders,” the club stated.

The Enugu-based outfit further noted its “confidence” in CAF’s ” established processes,” adding that it awaits a response.

“We thank our supporters for their continued loyalty and urge everyone to remain calm, disciplined and focused as the Club prepares for the return leg,” the statement concluded.