Coach Gernot Rohr has charged the Super Eagles to step up their game against Tunisia tomorrow after a below-par showing against African champions Algeria last week.
The Franco-German tactician has admitted the absence of a number of first-team players somewhat weakened the texture of his band, but has challenged the squad to up the ante and show vibrancy especially in the fore against the 2004 African champions.
“We definitely must put up a greater effort against the Tunisians,” he said.
“It is an opportunity for some of the players to rise up to the occasion, stake a claim. They are ready to go and I believe we would see a much better game on Tuesday.”
Nigeria capped four players against the African champions – Frank Onyeka, Zaidu Sanusi, centre-back Kevin Akpoguna and midfielder Samson Tijani.
On Tuesday night, the three-time African champions come across the same team they defeated to clinch bronze medal at last year’s AFCON finals in Egypt, and have no illusions they must be at their best against a motivated Carthage Eagles who thumped Sudan 3-0 in Tunis on Friday.
All 24 players in camp were involved in Monday evening’s training and are available for selection.
Goalkeepers Dele Alampasu and Matthew Yakubu, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Chidozie Awaziem, Olaoluwa Aina and Jamilu Collins and forwards Cyril Dessers and Chidera Ejuke were not part of the run-out with Algeria and could be considered for action on tomorrow night.
Tunisia have not beaten Nigeria in a competitive game since the 2004 AFCON they hosted, when they edged the Super Eagles on penalty shoot-out after both teams tied 1-1 in regulation and extra time at the Stade Olympique in Rades, outside Tunis.
Matches between Nigeria and Tunisia have always been supercharged, the 2004 encounter no less so.
After Jay Jay Okocha gave Nigeria the lead from the spot, Tunisia restored parity with only eight minutes left, Khaled Badra also poking in from the spot. Osaze Odemwingie missed during the shoot-out and the Eagles had to be content with the bronze medals after beating Mali.
Tunisia went on to defeat Morocco in the final for their only continental title so far.
