Lagos – Former Super Eagles player Mutiu Adepoju has warned the team against complacency when they take on Tahiti in their opening match of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013, in Brazil.

Adepoju  in Lagos said that the team should not underrate their little known opponents, saying that there were no longer minnows in football.

Nigeria is placed in Group B of the inter-continental showpiece with Tahiti, Uruguay and World and European champions, Spain and would open its campaign on Monday against Tahiti.

Tahiti won the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Nations Cup 2012 in Honiara, Solomon Islands, becoming the first nation other than Australia or New Zealand to represent Oceania at the Confederation Cup.

“We all know the magnitude of the Confederations Cup and everyone understands just how significant the competition is in the FIFA calendar.

“Therefore, the match against Tahiti must be taken seriously. The boys must stay focused for 90 minutes and avoid being complacent.

“This is no team to be underrated irrespective of the fact that they are not quite renowned in football,” he said.

Speaking against the backdrop of the Super Eagles’ late arrival in Brazil, Adepoju said he was optimistic the team would adapt to the conditions quickly and beat Tahiti.

“They are professionals; I’m sure they are conscious of the fact that they are the champions of Africa and will be willing to do the continent proud.

“It’s important to get that first win because it’s a difficult group to play in for any team,” Adepoju said. (NAN)