Enugu Rangers' manager, Okey Emordi has said he expects a tough challenge from Kwara United in Sunday's pre-season friendly at the Kwara State Stadium, llorin.

The two Nigeria Premier League sides are using the encounter as build-up for the start of the 2012/13 league season on February 16.

The encounter will be played under floodlight due to Super Eagles' Afcon quarterfinals clash against the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire in Rustenburg on Sunday.

Emordi said he wants to use the top flight friendly to keep his wards in competitive mood ahead middle of the month's Caf Champions League campaign starter against SC Do Principe of Sao Tome & Principe.

"No match is an easy one. This one won't be an exception. I expect the tie to be tough for both sides. It's for the boys to showcase their talents as preparatory for the commencement of the league.

"I just want to keep my boys in playing mood both for the league and continental assignments. I have four or five players each in the Super Eagles and Flying Eagles I won't wait for them to come back before reasonable work would be done, so the friendly is another opportunity to see what other new players can offer.

"Of course, I believe the tie is a big game for me and Kwara United. it will surely provide us the acid test prior to the African challenge," said the former Enyimba manager to supersport.com.

Emordi said his wards will further be toughened with another high-profile friendly against Dolphins or Sharks in Port Harcourt.

"After Sunday's game I have one more match to go against Dolphins or Sharks in Port Harcourt. Thereafter, we'll go into practical training before playing hosts to the Sao Tome & Principe side in Enugu," he said.