Set to play in his first-ever Asian Champions League final, Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo, says he’s looking forward to helping defending champions Al Hilal retain their crown when they face Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds in the two-legged finals.

The defending champions will host the first leg today at the King Fahd International Stadium while the second leg is scheduled to be held at the Saitama Stadium 2002 on Saturday, May 6 in Tokyo.

Speaking ahead of the game, Ighalo who’s the second highest goalscorer in the competition with seven goals, only behind Edmilson Junior (8) will be hoping to lead the club to retaining the title they’ve won in the last two editions. 

“We’ve prepared well throughout the season and played tough matches before reaching the final which gives us tremendous confidence to give our maximum energy to win the title,” the former Manchester United striker told the press at the pre-match press conference. 

“This will be my first Asian Champions League final and I am very happy about it. I have talked to my teammates about the previous finals, the excitement they felt so, we’ll fight to win this time again. 

“We know the game is not going to be easy because we’re about to face a strong team. My teammates and I will do our best to achieve victory.”

Ighalo scored four goals as Al Hilal thrashed Qatari side Al-Duhail 7-0 in the semi-final of the competition in February.