Violent scenes erupted at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, on Sunday after Nigerian champions Enugu Rangers defeated Algerian side MC Alger 2-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second-round qualifying tie.
More than 400 travelling Algerian supporters reportedly vandalised sections of the covered stands, destroying seats following their team’s defeat.
The unrest also spread to the tunnel area, where MC Alger’s assistant coach was allegedly assaulted by angry supporters before Nigerian police officers attached to the team intervened to rescue him.
Former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba was also reportedly attacked by members of the Algerian delegation in the VVIP pavilion after attempting to exchange post-match pleasantries.
On the pitch, Rangers took the lead in the 81st minute through Kenneth Igboke, who converted a penalty, before James Emo doubled the advantage in stoppage time.
The fiery encounter also saw both teams reduced to ten men following red cards, while an MC Alger team official was dismissed.
Rangers will take their two-goal advantage into the return leg in Algiers on October 23, but history offers a warning.
In 1976, Rangers suffered a 3-0 defeat in Algeria after winning the first leg 2-0, crashing out 3-2 on aggregate to MC Alger, who went on to win the competition.
The Nigerian champions will now seek to avoid a repeat of that setback as they pursue qualification for the group stage.
