CAFCL: NPFL champions Rivers United crush Liberia’s Watanga FC

The Nigerian representatives mauled their visitors to begin their continental campaign on a winning note

2022 Nigeria Professional Football League winners Rivers United defeated Liberian champions Watanga FC 3-0 on Sunday evening in the first leg of the CAF Champions League qualifying match.

The Nigerians were meeting the Liberians for the first time at the club level. And Rivers United knew they needed a big win in this first leg to give themselves a massive chance in the return leg next Saturday.

And a big win they got, with the Pride of Rivers wasting little time in making their superiority count.

The home side came close to scoring twice in the opening five minutes and soon got the goal their brilliant start merited in the eighth minute courtesy of Kenechukwu Agu.

Ten minutes later, it was two-nil to the hosts, Paul Acquah setting up Ebube Duru to fire in a fierce drive from 20 yards out.

Acquah then turned from provider to goalscorer in first-half stoppage time to increase Rivers United's lead.

Rivers United created numerous goalscoring opportunities after the break. But the reigning Nigerian champions could not find the efficiency displayed in that excellent opening half, as the encounter finished three-nil.

The second leg is scheduled for next weekend (September 18) at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia.

Rivers United will advance to the next round of the competition if they avoid defeat or lose by not more than two goals.