NIGERIA’S representatives in the CAF Champions League, Rivers United of Port Harcourt and Akwa United of Uyo, got off to winning starts on Sunday.
The clubs are on a quest to reach the group phase of the continent’s top club competition.
Rivers United, who finished runners-up in the Nigeria Professional Football League last season, produced a stunning result, beating Young Africans 1-0 in their preliminary round first leg clash in Tanzania.
Few gave Rivers United a chance against the experienced continental campaigners, but the Nigerians are now favourites to progress to the next round.
After a goalless first half in Dar es Salaam, Moses Omodumuke gave Rivers United the lead in the 51st minute with a precise header off Nelson Esor’s cross.
Rivers United held on to claim the win and just need to avoid defeat at home in the second leg to advance.
In Uyo, NPFL champions Akwa United needed a late goal to secure a 1-0 first leg win over Algerian champions CR Belouizdad.
Ubong Friday’s fierce strike with three minutes left on the clock gave Akwa United victory ahead of what is expected to be a tough second-leg trip to Algeria.
