Nigeria, Jan. 30 -- As the CAF Champions League group stage enters a decisive phase this weekend, Nigeria's lone representatives return to action knowing that only victory will keep their continental campaign alive.

Matchday four of the group stage marks the start of the return legs, a point in the competition when ambition hardens into urgency. Across Africa, clubs are jostling for position, but few face stakes as stark as Rivers United, who host Zambia's Power Dynamos at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.

After three matches, the Pride of the South-South have managed just one point, a goalless draw in Ndola on 24 January. That result offered brief relief but did little to ease their predicament. Sitting six p...