Enugu Rangers are preparing to face MC Alger in the CAF Champions League, but the Algerian champions will arrive with domestic fixtures postponed around their continental campaign. That raises a question in Nigeria, should the NPFL offer Rangers the same breathing room?
MC Alger were due to face JS Kabylie in the Algerian league on Tuesday, October 6, but the fixture has been postponed because of the club’s CAF Champions League commitments.
It is the latest adjustment to their domestic schedule as they balance the demands of African competition and with the Algerian champions now preparing for their trip to face Rangers, the contrast is difficult to ignore.
Rangers are scheduled to travel to Kano to face Barau FC on October 11, just days before traveling to Abeokuta in Ogun state to host MC Alger at the MKO Abiola stadium in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary-round tie.
That means while MC Alger have had their domestic programme adjusted to accommodate their continental campaign, Rangers could still have to negotiate another NPFL fixture immediately before one of the biggest matches of their season.
The Algerian league has already demonstrated that such adjustments are possible. recall that MC Alger’s program has been disrupted more than once this season because of their Champions League commitments.
Their league meeting with MC Oran was previously postponed, initially because of their continental schedule and later again after the club requested a change because four players were away on international duty.
The JS Kabylie fixture is now the latest to be moved. this is not evidence that MC Alger have been given an improper advantage. The Algerian Professional Football League has regulations allowing fixtures to be adjusted around continental commitments.
But it does raise a fair question for the NPFL. If Algeria can give its Champions League representative room to prepare, why shouldn’t Nigeria do the same for Rangers?
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The answer may already exist within the NPFL’s own framework. the league’s regulations give it powers to alter fixtures where circumstances require and provide mechanisms for clubs involved in national or international competitions to seek rescheduling.
The NPFL has also exercised that discretion this season, including postponing Rangers’ league fixture against Nasarawa United because of the club’s Champions League involvement.
So this would not be an unprecedented request, nor would it mean giving Rangers preferential treatment simply because they are the champions.
Rangers are representing Nigeria in Africa, and their tie against MC Alger could determine whether the Nigerian champions progress towards the lucrative CAF Champions League group stage.
The question is not whether Barau FC deserve their fixture, they do. It is whether that fixture needs to be played on October 11, only days before Rangers face an Algerian side whose own domestic schedule has been adjusted to give it room for continental preparation.
There is also a wider issue of competitive fairness. CAF does not require every domestic league to postpone matches for clubs involved in its competitions.
Fixture management remains largely a matter for the respective national leagues and associations, provided the continental calendar is respected.
That means the decision ultimately rests with the NPFL and Rangers should at least be able to ask.
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MC Alger have been given breathing room. Should Nigeria’s champions get the same?
For a league that has already shown willingness to protect its clubs on continental duty, postponing Barau FC versus Rangers would not be a radical departure.
