Since 2009 when Kano Pillars reached the semifinals of the Caf Champions League, the perennial Nigerian champions have appeared in three editions without success.
In the last five years, the Kano side have emerged as Nigeria's most consistent representative in the competition due to their consistent success at home.
On their way to the group stage in 2009, Pillars eliminated African powerhouse, Al Ahly Sports Club on away goals to announce their emergence as a force in Africa.
Till date, the feat remains evergreen in the record of the club.
Former league top scorer, Victor Namo, Hilary Chukwu, Rabiu Mohammed, Abdulwasiu Sowemimo, Bello Musa Kofarmata, former captain, Bala Mohammed as well as inspiration goalkeeper and present captain, Theophilus Afelokhai, were some of the stars who twinkled, when history was made in Cairo.
The team have evolved over the years, but Afelokhai remains the link between the old and new generation.
"Ahly underrated us and we were determined to make an impact on our debut. We tried, but lost in the semifinals to Heartland," Afelokhai said.
2015
The 2015 edition is the fourth attempt for the club and their third successive appearance in Africa's elite competition.
Fans of the club have erased the memories of last year's shock exit in the first round to eventual runners-up, AS Vita, and hoping for a good campaign this year.
The decision to retain experienced Okey Emordi is a confirmation of the club's readiness to learn from mistakes of the past.
Opponents
Pillars begin the quest to win the competition against South Sudan side, Al-Malakia, and the expectation is that this will be a walk-over.
However, the Nigerians must be careful against the team which only made their debut in the 2014 edition of the Caf Confederation Cup.
Interestingly, both sides failed to cross the preliminary round last term. Pillars failed in the Champions League, while Al-Malakia lost out in the Confederation Cup.
Key Players
Aside from Afelokhai, Emordi's arsenal is loaded with several Nigerian internationals with experience at continental level.
The presence of stars like Rabiu Ali, Gambo Mohammed, Zango Umar, Eneji Otekpa and newly signed Christian Obiozor will scare opposition sides.
Former junior international, Samuel Tswanya, returns to the club after a two-year romance at Bayelsa United to boost competition at right-back with Promise James.
Also in Emordi's roster are the duo of goalkeeper Emmanuel Fabiyi and Isaac Loute, who play for the Benin national team.
Debut
Loute, who was converted to left-back from his previous position in the forward line by Emordi, is one of the players set to make his debut in the competition.
Also making their debut for the Kano aristocrats in the competition are Reuben Ogbonnaya, Tony Edjomariegwe and Joel Djondang, who joined the club from El-Kanemi Warriors.
Kano Pillars in Caf Champions League:
2009: Semifinal
2011: First Round
2013: First Round
2014: Preliminary Round
2015: ??
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