NWOBODO CONFIDENT AS RANGERS PREPARE FOR MC ALGER CLASH

Rangers International FC captain Chidiebere Nwobodo has expressed confidence in the team’s preparations ahead of Sunday’s CAF Champions League second preliminary-round first-leg encounter against MC Alger, while emphasising the need for defensive discipline and total concentration.

Rangers International FC captain Chidiebere Nwobodo has expressed confidence in the team’s preparations ahead of Sunday’s CAF Champions League second preliminary-round first-leg encounter against MC Alger, while emphasising the need for defensive discipline and total concentration. The Flying Antelopes will welcome the Algerian champions to the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, seeking a positive result to take into the return leg in Algeria. Speaking ahead of the encounter, Nwobodo gave a positive assessment of the atmosphere within the squad, expressing satisfaction with the team’s spirit and readiness for the challenge. “Yeah, I can say amazing, amazing. The team spirit, I can see the boys, they’re so good for the game tomorrow,” he said. “I prepare so well against tomorrow’s task.” The Rangers captain, however, acknowledged the quality of MC Alger, describing the North African side as a difficult opponent capable of making life challenging for the Nigerian champions. “MC Algiers are a very difficult opponent. You don’t have to take away that fact. They are North Africans. And of course, I’m sure definitely they want to put up a fight tomorrow,” Nwobodo said. Despite the challenge, he expressed confidence in Rangers’ ability to compete and secure a favourable result, insisting that his teammates must remain focused throughout the encounter. Asked what Rangers must do differently after drawing both legs against AS Sobemap in the previous round, Nwobodo stressed the importance of keeping a clean sheet. “Yeah, I think first thing, we shouldn’t concede here,” he said. “Yeah. And we need total concentration to face the game tomorrow.” Rangers progressed past AS Sobemap after two 1–1 draws, eventually winning 5–4 on penalties in Lomé. The experience underlined the importance of making their opportunities count and maintaining concentration across both legs of a continental tie. Against MC Alger, the nine-time Nigerian champions will be looking to combine defensive solidity with attacking efficiency to establish an advantage before the return fixture. Nwobodo remains optimistic about his side’s attacking prospects, insisting that Rangers possess the quality to trouble their visitors. “MC Algers, they are good side. And we too, we are good side,” he said. “We can still win them with maximum goals for sure.” With the first leg offering Rangers an opportunity to make home advantage count, the captain will be expected to lead by example as the Flying Antelopes seek a strong start to their continental campaign. The encounter is scheduled for Sunday, 18 October, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.