  The path from the charge density wave antiferromagnet NdNiC$_2$ to a
noncentrosymmetric superconductor LaNiC$_2$ has been studied by gradual
replacement of Nd by La ions. The evolution of physical properties has been
explored by structural, magnetic, transport, magnetoresistance and specific
heat measurements. With the substitution of La for Nd, the Peierls temperature
is gradually suppressed, which falls within the BCS mean-field relation for
chemical pressure with a critical concentration of $x_c$ = 0.38. As long as
charge density wave is maintained, the antiferromagnetic ground state remains
robust against doping and despite of a N\'eel temperature reduction shows a
rapid and sharp magnetic transition. Once the CDW is completely suppressed,
intermediate compounds of the Nd$_{1-x}$La$_x$NiC$_2$ series reveal symptoms of
a gradual softening of the features associated with AFM transition and increase
of the spin disorder. Immediately after the antiferromagnetic transition is
depressed to zero temperature, the further incorporation of La ions results in
the emergence of superconductivity. This crossover in the
Nd$_{1-x}$La$_x$NiC$_2$ is discussed in the terms of the possible quantum
critical point.
