By Victor Kanayo
Despite slow starts, three Nigerian representatives in the current CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup all posted victories on Sunday when they confronted their North African foes.
Mild celebration erupted in various match venues in Abuja, Portharcourt and Ilorin after their respective triumphs.
In Lagos, Kwara United playing in the Confederation Cup beat RS Berkane of Morocco 3-1 in a first round first leg clash.
Cheick Ouattara gave the visiting Moroccans an eighth minute lead.
However, a big credit has to go to Kwara United as they turned the game completely around after the break.
First, the lively Taofeek Ahmed drew them level in the 72nd minute, before Wasiu Jimoh put them in front for the first time seven minutes later.
Barnabas Daniel’s header three minutes from full time was the cushion the Nigerian club badly needed ahead of the return leg in Morocco next week.
In Port Harcourt, the country’s representative in the prestigious CAF Champions League, Rivers United beat holders Wydad Casablanca of Morocco 2-1 in the first leg of the first round tie.
Wydad took the lead in the 32nd minute through Senegal forward Bouly Junior Sambou.
Malachi Ohawume equalised for Rivers United two minutes later.
Ghanaian import Paul Acquah gave Rivers United the lead for the first time in the game with a clinical finish in the 53rd minute.
While in Abuja, at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Plateau United also rallied back to beat Tunisian club, Esperance 2-1.
Esperance took the lead on 27 minutes through Anice Badri.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel equalised for the home team in the 34th minute after the Tunisians failed to deal with Daniel Itodo’s long throw-in.
Mustapha Yuga netted the winning goal late in the first half.
The second leg of all the ties will be played one week after away.
