Never in the history of African football had the struggle for the coveted prize, the CAF Champions League diadem been so orchestrated as the 2012 edition.(http://vml1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/sunshine-stars.jpg?9d7bd4) (http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/07/sunshine-and-the-jsk-challenge/sunshine-stars/)
Then increased monetary reward for the winners to USD $1.5m is an added motivation responsible for the intensity and seriousness shown by the last four in the competition; Al Ahly of Egypt, Sunshine Stars of Nigeria, T. P. Mazembe of Congo DR and defending champions, Esperance of Tunisia.
For the Nigeria representatives, the task couldn't have been tougher as they take on six times champions, Al Ahly of Egypt in today's semi final clash at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode.
Sunshine's best continental experience was an appearance in the final of the 2011 CAF Confederation Cup, the continent's second tier competition, which the club lost painfully to Club Africain of Tunisia.
Definitely, the stakes this time are higher, so is the opposition. But it is a moment, the Coach Ggenga Ogunbote-tutored lads should seize with their two arms.
Sunshine started the campaign on a shaky note but have since evolved into a resilient team of tested players whose exploits with the national team have toughened them.
Team captain, Godfrey Oboabona who is likely to miss the all-important encounter sounded confident ahead of today's clash against the Egyptian champions.
"I'm confident the team will win, but I'm worried about the number of goals we will score because goals really matter in a situation like this."
Sunshine will bank on the strength of Cameroonian-born star player, Medrano Temen and top striker Dele Olorundare among others to deliver. Midfielders like Ibrahim Ajani, and Abiodun Kayode must work hard to contend the Egyptians.
The General Manager of the Ondo Football Agency, Mike Idoko said the team is prepared despite some internal crisis which resulted in a players' strike during their preparations for today's encounter.
"The spirit in camp is high and the boys are ready to go all out to win. We are aware of the burden we are carrying on our shoulders and we won't let Nigerians down."
He said they were not under any pressure."We are not under pressure to beat Al Ahly because everybody expects us to lose considering the pedigree of both teams. They are under pressure as they will want to enhance their ratings," Idoko said.
Vanguard Nigeria
Sunshine Stars will carry the day by 2-0.