Afelokhai okays Champs League fixtures

Kano Pillars’ goalkeeper, Theophilus Afelokhai, has described as advantageous his side’s first away fixture of the 2014 CAF Champions League.
The Nigerian champions will kick off their African title campaign this weekend at Congolese side, Association Sportive (AS) Vita Club, at the 80,000-capacity Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa.
The reverse fixture is expected to hold in a fortnight at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofarmata, Kano.
Afelokhai said his side would fight hard for a favourable result at the Congolese side with the aim of finishing the battle in the reverse fixture in Kano.
“I think it’s an advantage playing our first CAF Champions League tie at AS Vita. We are going there to vie for a positive result so that we can finish the job right here in Kano in the return leg.
“The first fixture at their backyard will help immensely to understand them better which will assist us to confront them when they come for the return leg.
“AS Vita are a strong side that’s why we’re not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that we grab a decent result in Kinshasa,” said Pillars captain to supersport.com.
Afelokhai said the timely coming of the new manager, Okey Emordi, has brought fresh air to his side’s programmes for the season.
“Yes, the coming of Emordi has brought some difference as well as seriousness among the players and a new direction to the side’s programmes.
“We’re ready to give our best to him as well as ourselves as the game is our career.
“The success or otherwise of the team will variously impact on our career. We have to team up to ensure the team succeed not only at the continent but at the domestic scene,” Afelokhai said.
The Pyramid City side are expected to depart the nation’s shores on Friday aboard a chartered flight to the match venue in Kinshasa.