Nigeria's representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup, Rivers United, will have a lot to do in the return leg of their tie with USM Alger after a slim win on Sunday.
Austin Okejepha’s goal in the 10th minute gave them a 1-0 win over the Algerians at the Nest of Champions in Uyo to set up a dicey second leg.
Rivers United qualified for the quarter-final of this year’s Confederation Cup after finishing second behind Dreams FC of Ghana to set up a quarter-final clash with holders USM.
Rivers United started brightly and went ahead in the 10th minute when midfielder Austin Okejepha struck the ball just at the edge of the box from a quick corner kick routine to stun the visitors.
USM struggled with the hot weather as Rivers United's physical attributes helped them to subdue the Algerians but could not break them and get more goals.
Despite their spirited efforts, Rivers United will have a daunting task ahead of them in the quest for a first-ever semi-final ticket in the competition.
USM Alger have not lost at home after four games in this year’s Confederation Cup as they've won two and drawn two.
Unfortunately, Rivers have not been good travelers too but will remember their impressive 3-2 away win over Angolan side Academica de Lobito in the group stages to give them some confidence.
Team captain Nwagua confident of progression
Despite the narrow scoreline and Rivers United’s relatively poor output on the road, team captain Nyima Nwagua is confident his team can still see off the Algerians.
“It was a difficult game, but we knew what we wanted and we approached the game in a different way and we were able to get the victory we needed,” Nwagua told afrik-foot.com after the game.
“We can't say we are satisfied with the win, we know how the Confederation Cup is, we got our win here we are going there to try and upset them at their home.
“The coaches will sit and look for a gameplan to help us get a result over there. I am confident we can do it,” he added.
When asked if Rivers United will adopt a defensive approach in the second leg, the former Kano Pillars star revealed that the team isn't a defensive side and will not go to Algiers to defend for 90 minutes.
“I don't think we are going to be a defensive side but we are going there with a different approach but I don't think we are going to play defensive football.
“Rivers United don't play defensive football as we love to attack and hurt our opponents. We have the players to do it. We have shown it before and we can do it again.
“Away games in the Confederation Cup are always difficult but we are going there to make history and make our fans and supporters happy. I am confident we can do it,” Nwagua said.
Uphill task for Rivers United in Algiers
It will be a herculean task for a team that has won just one away game during the group stage while losing two.
Rivers United will have to be at their best in the return leg on April 7 at the Stade du 5-Juillet-1962 in Algiers if they want to stand any chance of progress to the semi-finals.
The winner of the Rivers United and USM Alger tie will meet the winner of the Abu Salem vs RSB Berkane tie for a place in the final of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Rivers United line-up
Abiodun Akande, Kazie Enyinnaya, Emmanuel Ampiah, Austin Okejepha, Anthony Ohaegbu, Ekerette Udom, Abubakar Adamu, Alex Oyowah, Nyima Nwagua, Williams Ukeme, Deputy Etcheta.
Substitutes
Victor Sochima, Endurance Ebedebiri, Mark Gibson, Paul Odeh, Yao Bernard, Samuel Antwi, Temple Emekayi, Andy Okpe, Samuel Mathias.
