Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Champions League, Rivers United and Akwa United both secured lone goal wins in their respective first round first leg matches in the elite club tournament yesterday.
While Rivers United seem to be on the front foot into the next round following away win at Young Africans of Tanzania, Akwa United had to dig deep till the last minute before they could get the valuable goal win against CR Belouzidada of Algeria at the Nest of Champions in Uyo.
For Rivers United, it was drama before the away match in Dar es Salaam as their camp was rocked with Coronavirus test after three players and two officials were confirmed with positive result which was against the one conducted before the team’s departure.
But Moses Omodumuke netted the only goal of the game in the 51st minute and Nigeria did enough to secure a valuable away win.
The second leg is slated to come up at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port-Harcourt next weekend.
In Uyo, Akwa United also started the competition on a winning note with a narrow 1-0 win over visiting Algeria champions, CR Belouzidada.
The game lived up to the expectations as both team were current champions of their leagues and were able to size up each other.
The end to end game with host Akwa United dominating the game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium but the backline of the away side was able to withstand all the pressure.
The second half witnessed the same display but the Promise Keepers continued to press for a much-needed goal but the away side continued to frustrate their efforts.
The goal finally arrived in the 87th minute through a cool finish from Ubong Friday and all the efforts of Belouzidad to come back proved abortive.
Belouzidad will host Akwa United in the second leg of the preliminary round needing a two goals to progress while any draw will qualify the Nigeria side.
