South Africa aim to deliver hammer blow to Nigeria

Double champions Nigeria could find themselves on the African Nations Cup scrapheap if they lose to South Africa in a crucial Group D clash in Monastir.

After slumping to a shock 1-0 defeat to Morocco in their first match, the Super Eagles desperately need the three points from a victory - a defeat coupled with a win for Morocco over Benin in Sfax would put the 1980 and 1994 champions out.

South Africa coach Styles Phumo said Saturday that he is aware of the pressure the Nigerians are under and aims to play a patient game to frustrate his opponents out of their stride.

"We are approaching the match calmly," said Styles who saw his team beat Benin 2-0 in their opening game.

"We have learnt in the past that desperation can cause self-inflicted wounds. This will be avoided and we will stick to our game plan."

Nigeria were desperately disappointing in their 1-0 defeat to Morocco but skipper Jay Jay Okocha believes they will get it right on the day.

"I was very disappointed that we lost to Morocco because we were favourites," said the Bolton Wanderers ace.

"We have made qualification a lot more difficult for ourselves but we can bounce back in the next two games and go on to qualify."

There is hope for Nigeria - they lost 5-1 to Algeria on the opening day of the 1990 Nations Cup only to bounce back and go all the way to the final.