Kano Pillars confront tricky AS Vita

Nigerian champions, Kano Pillars, will start their 2014 Caf Champions League in preliminary round against DR Congo foes, AS Vita Club, in Kinshasa this Sunday.

Kano Pillars face a daunting challenge in Kinshasa, as The Black Dolphins are experienced.

Seven members of their 26-man squad for the Caf Champions League were part of the DR Congo team that reached the quarterfinals of the 2014 African Nations Championship (Chan).

Chikito Lema, Mubele Ndombe, Luvumbu Nzinga, Herve Lomboto, Lusadisu Basisila, Patou Ebunga and Thierry Kasereka are the seven players.

Newly-appointed Kano Pillars head coach, Okey Emordi, said he is wary of the Congolese after arriving in Kinshasa on Thursday for Sunday's first leg billed for the Stade Rev Father Pere Raphael, otherwise known as Stade Tata Raphael.

"The Congolese always present formidable opposition whether at club or international level. So we are ready for the challenge against AS Vita Club though we know it won't be easy," said Emordi to Naijaligue.blogspot.com before their departure to Kinshasa.

Kano Pillars made the trip to Kinshasa with Rabiu Ali and Umar Zango, who were both in the Nigerian team that finished third at the Chan.

Gambo Muhammad has also recovered in time from a hamstring injury to make the trip for the match against AS Vita Club.

But the Nigerian champions will be without Super Eagles midfielder, Abdullahi Shehu, who could not secure a visa to DR Congo on return from the Chan in South Africa.

Kano Pillars will play hosts to AS Vita Club in the second leg of the preliminary round of the Caf Champions League next weekend.