Nasarawa United FC says it hopes to reach the final of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup as it begins its campaign in the tournament on Sunday in Abuja.

The Lafia-based club will take on Senegalese second division side, AS Academie Generation Foot FC in the first leg of their preliminary stage opener in the continental competition at the National Stadium, Abuja.

The club’s Chairman, Isaac Danladi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that the club was ready to create a lasting impression in this year’s tournament.

According to him, the team has worked to surpass the record they achieved eight years when they crashed out in the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

Danladi said that the team’s level of preparation for the competition was capable of taking them to the final.

He said the team arrived in Abuja on Tuesday to perfect their strategy and ensure the players acclimatised to the city’s weather ahead of the crucial encounter.

“Nasarawa United team arrived in Abuja since Tuesday and have been training at the main bowl of the National Stadium.

“We have prepared enough; we had a pre-season in Ilorin and participated in the first and second phases of the Super 4 tournament in Kaduna and Uyo respectively.

“We’ve also played a couple of grade A and B friendly matches.

“the stage is set and the dice is cast because our players are in top form and ready to make a lasting impression in Africa,’’ Danladi said.

The chairman of the club founded in 2003, added that the state government’s motivation of the team was the driving force behind the team’s current form.

He said: “Performance is tied to motivation; whenever a team is playing well, you will know that it is well motivated and disciplined.

“The motivation has come and government has done its best financially and morally, so, we have no reason not to deliver.

“The players are eager to show themselves and we hope that their commitment will pay off’’.

Danladi added that the team had no injury worry with the 22 players in camp.

He said that only 18 players would be dressed for the Sunday’s game against the Senegalese.

The Solid Miners as Nasarawa United are fondly called opted to play at the National Stadium, Abuja as their home ground in Lafia is undergoing renovation.

NAN reports that the team was founded in 2003 after the Nasarawa government took over Black Stars FC of Gombe and joined the Nigerian Premier League in 2004/2005 season.

Also this weekend, Nigeria’s other representative in the CAF Confederation Cup; Akwa United FC of Uyo will play away to Congolese side, Club Mokanda.

Elsewhere, Warri Wolves will host Praia Cruz FC from Sao Tome and Principe in the CAF Champions League.

Meanwhile, two-time champions Enyimba FC, are already in Uganda ahead of their tie against Vipers FC also in the CAF Champions League.