Chief executive and vice-chairman of Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi, Mike Idoko has declared that the club will ready to get a decent result in their CAF Champions League group opener against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa on January.
As the first leg home fixture in Enugu draws closer, footballlive.ng learnt that the management of Lobi Stars has already acquired video recordings of their opponents’ past matches and are supporting the crew fully.
Idoko said as much during a media briefing, in which he acknowledged that his side are rated the least likely to qualify from their group for the quarter-finals, simply because all other three are past winners of the African elite clubs’ soccer competition.
Idoko, however, recounted the experience he gained on the continental terrain with Sunshine Stars of Akure and Warri Wolves, all of which he now says will come in handy for Lobi Stars, as they seek to rule Africa.
He went on to also commend Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom for backing the club fully, such that the players, coaches and officials want to justify all the attention by going beyond the group stage.
The Pride of Benue cruised into the group stage of the lucrative club competition after beating Gor Mahia of Kenya on the away goal rule, following a 3-3 draw on aggregate.
They had earlier beaten UMS de Loum of Cameroon 2-1 on aggregate in the preliminary round, and Idoko says they are set for more victories.
Idoko stressed: “We don’t want to relent on our efforts. We are working as a team, that is why we have achieved what we have achieved so far.
“From the coaches to the players and backroom staff, all departments function as a unit.
“We have a pool of quality players to pick from, and we have more options to register four players to beef up the team for the task ahead .
“This is certainly the more reason we desire to do much better. I am sure that Lobi Stars will give a worthy representation in the group stage.”
