Nnamdi Mejuobi scored twice after half-time. Substitute Isaac Jonathan added the third in the 88th minute. The Federation Cup winners take a three-goal cushion into the second leg.
The first half was one-way traffic without a goal. El-Kanemi, prepared by technical adviser King Emmanuel, dominated possession. Utibe Arit and Mejuobi were denied by a compact UDIB defence. Captain Usman Abbas also went close. The sides went in 0-0.
The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute. Abbas found Mejuobi, who finished calmly. Four minutes later Abubakar Abdullahi was fouled in the box and Mejuobi converted the penalty. UDIB pushed for a reply; El-Kanemi’s defence held.
The third goal arrived late. Wahab Dayo was brought down, the penalty was saved, and Jonathan scored from the rebound. Three minutes of added time changed nothing.
The winner of the tie will face Raja Casablanca in the second preliminary round. A 3-0 home win does not close the contest, but it forces UDIB to score at least three times in Guinea-Bissau without reply if they are to go through in 90 minutes.
Sunday was the result El-Kanemi needed on their return to CAF competition. Mejuobi’s brace decided the afternoon. Jonathan’s rebound completed it. The Pride of the North leave Ikenne with a lead worth protecting.