FORMER African Player of the Year Patrick Mboma has a warning for England ahead of their crucial final World Cup group phase clash: 'Nigeria can beat you'.

If Sven-Goran Eriksson's men avoid defeat against the Super Eagles in Osaka tomorrow morning a place in the second round will be assured.

But, despite an impressive 1-0 victory over World Cup favourites Argentina, Cameroon forward Mboma is convinced his African counterparts can put a dent in England's progress hopes.

The 31-year-old, who spent the last three-and-a-half months of the Premiership season at Sunderland, believes Nigeria are a force for anyone on their day - despite losing both of their opening World Cup games to Argentina and Sweden.

Against the South Americans, Festus Onigbinde's men never really looked the part, but they only showed glimpses of the undoubted attacking flair they possess in the 2-1 reverse at the hands of the Scandinavians.

And, while aware of Nigeria's potential threat, Mboma admits their unpredictability could work in England's favour.

"I never put my money on matches but, as an African and speaking with knowledge of the expectation in our region, I would say they can beat England," said the powerful striker, who is also hoping to help Cameroon through to the next phase by defeating Germany in Group E today.

"Nigeria are one of the best teams in Africa. The problem with them is that you can not foresee what they will do because they can impress and then play so badly in the next game."

Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu, Chelsea's Celestine Babayaro and the mesmeric Jay-Jay Okocha of Paris St Germain are just three of Nigeria's biggest assets.

And England know they will have to be aware of the threat posed by the pacy attacking play which Onigbinde's squad undoubtedly possess.

Mboma, who has scored two so far in the tournament including one against the Republic of Ireland, warned of Nigeria's skill and admitted that England will have to be at the top of their game from the first whistle.

"They have quality players and technically they are the best side in Africa," said Mboma, who spent two years playing for Gamba Osaka in Japan.

"But Nigeria struggled to build up confidence because they did not reach their target in the last African Nations Cup.

"Both Cameroon and Nigeria are very similar. They are both powerful.

"Cameroon are more compact whereas Nigeria have star players but they play more individually than as a team. That is not the best way to play."