Enyimba beat local rivals Rivers United 1-0 in their CAF Confederation Cup playoff first-leg fixture in Aba on Sunday.
Cyriel Olisema’s second half goal settled the contest and gives Enyimba the advantage heading into the return leg.
The first chance of the game fell to the home side in the 18th minute as a free kick from Imo Obot caused problems in Rivers United’s six yard area.
Rivers United swung into immediate attack and almost broke the deadlock, but Godwin Aguda’s effort was cleared off the line.
In the 39th minute, Enyimba had two big moments as Austin Oladapo’s free kick forced Theophilus Afelokhai into a save and the resultant corner was headed narrowly wide.
Olisema finally broke the deadlock a minute before the hour mark, but the hosts finished the game with 10 man after striker Tosin Omoyele was show a straight red for dissent.
Omoyele was sent off with 15 minutes left on the clock and Fatai Osho’s men put up a stellar defensive performance to see out the game.
The second leg of the tie comes up in Port Harcourt and the overall winner will advance to the group stage of the competition.
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