West: We're not afraid of England

Taribo West, Nigeria's renowned hardman, today insisted his team are not frightened of England and David Beckham.

But the former Derby defender and their coach did admit the Super Eagles' preparations were well behind those of 'Group of Death' opponents Sweden, Argentina and Sven-Goran Eriksson's team.

West, who is in Dublin as Nigeria play the Republic of Ireland tonight, said: "We are not the best team in Africa, Cameroon are. They are the leaders of African football, the team we must all emulate.

"If we are to succeed in Japan next month we must be like Cameroon. We must believe that we can beat England, Sweden and Argentina. It will not be easy but I am not afraid of any team or any opponent we will face in Japan. You ask me of Freddie Ljungberg and Beckham but I tell you that God did not make them with three legs and four arms.

"They are human, the same as the rest of us and the same as me. It will not take a superhuman effort to play against them. I'm not afraid of them."

Nigeria have been hit by major rows that led to their previous coach being sacked and a number of influential players being axed. Coach Festus Onigbinde said: "We are in a period of transition very close to the World Cup finals. We have some decisions to make and some players to look at. I must see these players before we play Jamaica in London on Saturday.