The legendary Jay-Jay Okocha has given his thoughts ahead of Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal clash against Bafana Bafana.
The Super Eagles take on Stuart Baxter's side at Cairo International Stadium, after failing to beat the South Africans during the qualifiers. In Uyo, Nigeria were beaten 2-0 by Bafana and then drew 1-1 in Johannesburg.
They meet for a third time in a space of two years and Okocha says the mindset of the players will be key going into this game.
"It's always easy to sit outside and act as though you have the best solution. I've played at the highest level and I can tell you in my opinion that you can come up with whatever tactics you want as a coach, but if you don't have the tools to execute it then you will struggle. If you don't have willing players that are ready to commit to the cause, you will struggle," the former PSG midfielder said.
"I think it will be all about players' mindset on the day, how bad they want it. The team that wants it more will win it."
Okocha has experience of playing Bafana at AFCON, back in 2000 in Lagos. Nigeria won the semifinal clash 2-0 and Okocha shared the experience.
"It was great, because personally before that I was looking forward to playing against Bafana Bafana because we had been having this argument about who is the best African team. We felt like Bafana won it in 1996 because we did not take part. We were on fire then, having our best period. The opportunity came in 2000 and for us it was personal, to make sure we get one over them.
"It was a bit easier for us because we were playing at home.