Nigeria football legend Jay-Jay Okocha believes experience and desire will be the difference as the Super Eagles take on Cote 'd'Ivoire in the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday.
The two teams face off in the second match in group A as Nigeria searches for their first win in the competition after a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in the group opener.
The Elephants triumphed to a 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau.
"I think what the key will be is experience, desire and state of mind. For me, they are professionals, and they know the importance of this match, I think their mindset will be the key," Okocha said.
Okocha added that the match will be difficult because of the quality on display from both sides.
"Every match is difficult but when you play the host country, it is even more difficult. But, of course, the beauty of football is that if you want to be champions, you have to win against the best," Okocha who won the Afcon title in 1994 remarked.
"If you are well prepared, you have a chance of winning your match. But, we Nigerians, we know that it will be a difficult match but also, we believe that we have enough potential to be able to win this match."
Super Eagles star striker Victor Osimhen is set to lead the attack once again after scoring in the opening match.
Okocha said Osimhen needs the services of the team to score goals and lead them to victory.
"We know that Victor Osimhen is a world-class goalscorer, a very great player. He needs the services of his team and I believe he got them in the first match.
"It's not all the time that we see him miss clear opportunities. I think he is eager to correct his mistakes and with him, we have hope and we believe in him because we know he is capable of shining in any competition."