The Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Ayo Abdulrahman, has urged Rangers players to remain mentally prepared for their CAF Champions League second-leg encounter against MC Alger.

The crucial second preliminary round fixture is scheduled to take place at the Stade Ali-Ammar in Douéra, Algeria, on Friday, with Rangers holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.

Abdulrahman warned the Nigerian champions to expect a tough contest against the Algerian side, stressing the need for concentration, determination and tactical discipline throughout the encounter.

“Rangers players showed determination to win even when they were one player down, and winning by two goals was a befitting reward for the hardworking players and managers of the team,” Abdulrahman was quoted as saying by NPFL Media.

 “It’s not going to be a tea party; don’t expect them to offer you flowers. Stay focused, take the fight to them, and respond to the dictates of the game, especially when you have to defend.”

Meanwhile, Rangers players and officials are expected to depart Nigeria for Algeria on Tuesday (today) ahead of Friday’s decisive encounter.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Nigerian time.

The aggregate winner over the two legs will secure a place in the lucrative group stage of the CAF Champions League.

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