Elkanemi Warriors made a strong start to their CAF Confederation Cup campaign on Sunday, defeating UDIB of Guinea-Bissau 3-0 in their preliminary round first leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
The Nigerian side dominated much of the contest but had to wait until the second half to turn their control into goals, with Nnamdi Mejuobi scoring twice before substitute Isaac Jonathan completed the victory late on.
Elkanemi Warriors started brightly and created several opportunities during the opening 45 minutes, with Utibe Arit and Mejuobi leading the attacking threat.
UDIB, however, defended resolutely and managed to keep the hosts at bay as the first half ended goalless.
The Warriors continued to press after the restart and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 48th minute when captain Usman Abbas found an opportunity, only for the UDIB goalkeeper to deny him.
Four minutes later, the breakthrough finally arrived when Abbas provided the assist for Mejuobi, who kept his composure to slot the ball beyond the goalkeeper and put Elkanemi Warriors ahead in the 52nd minute.
readmore: Onuachu ends goal drought with brace but injury raises fresh Nigeria concern
The advantage was doubled just four minutes later. Abubakar Abdullahi was brought down inside the penalty area, giving the Nigerian side an opportunity from the spot. Mejuobi stepped up and converted to complete his brace and put Elkanemi Warriors 2-0 ahead.
UDIB attempted to respond and created moments of pressure as they searched for a way back into the contest, but the Elkanemi Warriors defence remained organised and held firm under Technical Adviser King Emmanuel.
The visitors’ hopes of a late comeback were finally extinguished in the 88th minute.
Wahab Dayo was brought down inside the box, resulting in another penalty for the Warriors. Bayo’s initial effort was saved by the UDIB goalkeeper, but Jonathan reacted quickest to the rebound and fired into the net to make it 3-0.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Three minutes of added time followed before the final whistle confirmed a convincing victory for Elkanemi Warriors.
The result gives the Nigerian side an encouraging start to their continental campaign ahead of the second leg in Guinea-Bissau.
Pingback: Flamingos face Ghana in key WAFU B World Cup draw - The Athletic NG
Pingback: Sobemap coach Tinkéu refuses to celebrate Rangers Champions League draw: ‘We came here to win’ - The Athletic NG