Rivers United on Wednesday thrashed Al-Nasr Benghazi 5-0 in the first leg tie of their CAF Confederation Cup playoffs at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt while Plateau United beat Libya’s Al Akhdar 4-1 at the MKO Abiola Stadium Abuja in their first leg encounter.

The huge wins by both Nigerian teams will help them put one foot in the group stage of the Confederation Cup after both sides failed to reach the money spinning group stage of the CAF Champions League.

In Port Harcourt, Ebube Duru scored the opener for Rivers United in the 12th minute from the penalty spot after Al-Nasr’s goalkeeper had brought down Paul Acquah in the penalty area. Kazie Enyinnaya made it 2-0 in the 15th minute while Paul Acquah ensured that the Nigeria Professional Football League champions went into the half time break with a three goal cushion making it 3-0 in the 44th minute.

Ebube Duru made it 4-0 from the penalty spot in the 64th minute while Malachi Ohawume in the 72nd minute ensured that Rivers United took a five goal advantage into the second leg. 

At the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, Mustapha Yuga headed the ball inside the net in the 27th minute from close range to open the scoring for Plateau United while Ifeanyi Emmanuel made it 2-0 in the 44th minute. Albert Hilary made it 3-0 in the 75th minute but the Libyan side got a lifeline into the game when they pulled one back in the 85th minute, however, Albert Hilary would have the last say in the 92nd minute restoring Plateau United’s three-goal advantage heading into the second leg next week.

Should both teams go unbeaten in their second leg tie, they would make it to the group stage of the competition.