Rivers United have left Nigeria for Côte d’Ivoire as preparations intensify for their CAF Champions League first preliminary round first leg against San Pedro.

The Pride of Rivers departed through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday as they begin their continental campaign with a challenging away fixture.

The Port Harcourt based club will face San Pedro at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro, with the first leg providing Rivers United an opportunity to establish an advantage before the return fixture.

The second leg is scheduled to take place in Abeokuta next week, putting further importance on Rivers United’s performance in Côte d’Ivoire.

Technical adviser Finidi George will be looking for a disciplined display from his players as the Nigerian side begins its pursuit of a place in the next round of Africa’s premier club competition.

Rivers United have experience of the demands of continental football, but their previous campaign ended in disappointment after they were eliminated by Egyptian club Pyramids FC.

That experience will serve as a reminder of the fine margins involved at this level, particularly in the opening rounds when away results can have a major impact on the outcome of a tie.

The San Pedro fixture therefore represents more than the start of another continental campaign for Rivers United. It is the first opportunity for Finidi and his squad to demonstrate that they have learned from their previous setback and are ready to compete on the African stage.

With the return leg already scheduled for next week, Rivers United will be aiming to leave Côte d’Ivoire with a result that gives them a strong platform for the decisive second meeting in Abeokuta.