Rangers International Chief Coach Eke Ekenedirichukwu says the team are well prepared for their CAF Champions League second preliminary round first-leg encounter against MC Alger.
The Nigerian champions face the Algerian side at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on Sunday, 18 October, with the Enugu-based club hoping to make home advantage count.
Eke said the team had completed the necessary preparations and remained confident ahead of the encounter, despite expecting a difficult contest.
“We have prepared so very well. We’ve done everything necessary, we believe that we can be able to do to make sure we execute tomorrow’s game,” he said.
“We know that it’s not going to be an easy game, it’s not going to be an easy meeting, but here in Nigeria, we have been hopeful that tomorrow is going to be a very good day for us.”
The coach also praised the Rangers management and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for their support in preparing the team for the continental fixture.
“The camp is calm, the management has also done whatever they’re supposed to do,” Eke said.
“The Governor of Enugu State, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has also massively made sure that the team is in good shape.”
Asked about the absence of some players during Rangers’ previous trip to Kano, including Godwin Obaje, Eke said the decision to leave certain players out was made by the club’s technical adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu.
“I think that’s the tactics of the technical advisor of the club, Fidelis Ilechukwu. That is a decision and I know so very well that for him to take that decision, he meant well for the club,” he said.
Rangers were also seen working on set-pieces and long throws during their final training session in Abeokuta, prompting questions about whether those routines would feature in their plans against MC Alger.
Eke confirmed that such situations were part of the team’s preparations.
“Definitely, set-piece and the long throw, they are part of football. However you score goal, provided that it’s a game approved, you can go through that way. It’s part of the game, it’s part of the preparation,” he said.
Despite the importance of securing a positive result at home before the return leg, Eke insisted that the players were not under external pressure.
“Absolutely no pressure, but we are pressuring ourselves because we know that what’s doing good, what’s good is what’s doing good,” he said.
The coach also urged Rangers supporters at home and abroad to remain optimistic as the club continues its continental campaign.
“All our fans in Diaspora should stay positive,” Eke said.
“By the special grace of God and by the efforts we have put in so far, we are going to come out in flying colours.”
Rangers are Nigeria’s sole representatives in the second preliminary round of this season’s CAF Champions League after progressing from the opening round. A strong performance against MC Alger would put the reigning Nigerian champions in a favourable position ahead of the return fixture.
Pingback: Enugu Rangers captain raises concern ahead of crucial MC Alger clash - The Athletic NG
Pingback: “‘We have prepared so well’: Captain Nwobodo gives Rangers fans confidence ahead of MC Alger clash” - The Athletic NG