Rivers United claimed a 1-0 win over Algerian side, USM Alger in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Sunday.
Augustine Ojejepha scored the only goal of the match in the 10th minute of the first half.
The hosts wasted several other chances to double their lead in the game and will face a massive task in their bid to scale through it to the semi-final of the competition against the Algerian side.
The return fixture will hold on Sunday in Algiers.
The United were eliminated in the same stage of the competition last year by Young Africans of Tanzania.
They are looking to become the first Nigerian club to win the CAF Confederation Cup.