By Edet Ikotidem
Nigerian Professional Football League 2022 winners Rivers United beat Liberian champions Watanga FC 3-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League qualifier on Sunday night.
The Nigerians met the Liberians for the first time at club level. And Rivers United knew they needed a big win in that first leg to give themselves a big chance in the second leg next Saturday.
And they won a great victory, because the pride of the rivers wasted no time in asserting its superiority.
The home side came close to scoring twice in the opening five minutes and quickly scored the goal their brilliant start deserved in the eighth minute through Kenechukwu Agu. Ten minutes later it was 2-0 for the hosts and Paul Acquah set up Ebube Duru, who fired a fierce shot from 20 yards out.
Also read; Senegal Under-20 Crowned Champion WAFU Cup
The second leg is scheduled for next weekend (September 18) at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia.
Rivers United will advance to the next round of the competition if they avoid defeat or drop no more than two goals.
Acquah then switched from provider to goalscorer in the first half to extend Rivers United’s lead.
Rivers United created plenty of scoring chances after the break. But the reigning Nigerian champions did not find the effectiveness of this superb first half as the meeting ended 3-0.
