Nigeria sole representatives in the CAF Confederations Cup, Rivers United started their group campaign on a sour note as they fell against Diables Noire on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Pride of Rivers conceded three goals in the first half without reply at the Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat in Brazzaville.
Carl Wunda Ngana opened the scoring for Diables Noirs in the 30th minute and before the visitors could regain themselves, Jaures Ngombe made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute while Domi Juares Massoumou made it 3-0 in the 37th minute.
Ebube Duru missed a chance to give his team, Rivers United some form of consolation in the 57th minute when his penalty was well saved by the host's goalkeeper.
The match ended 3-0 despite the Nigerian club side's effort to get something out of the encounter in Brazzaville.
Asec Mimosa and Motema Pembe settled for a scoreless draw.
Rivers United who are now bottom of group B table and will face ASEC Mimosa in their next game on Sunday, February 19.
By Uche Dozie