Nigeria defender Joseph Yobo is counting on his team-mates to produce a winning performance when they come up against Benin in a crunch African Nations Cup encounter in Benguela.

The Super Eagles are still smarting after they were beaten 3-1 by defending champions Egypt earlier this week and anything less than a win would put them on the brink of an early exit.

The Group C loss against the Pharaohs was made all the harder to bear considering they took the lead in the game, but the captain wants to forget the past and look to the future.

"This team feel bad about what has happened and we know it is time to step up our game to avoid an early elimination from this championship,'' he said.

"No one is happy about the result, and we are looking forward to giving our all in the next games.''

And the Everton centre-half has vowed to remain strong in the days ahead, adding: "We have a match against Benin and then we go to Lubango on Wednesday to play Mozambique.

"Now, we have our backs to the wall and we know we must perform. We will lift our game and do Nigeria proud.''

Peter Odemwingie, who missed the opening game through injury, is fit again and certain to feature, but Obafemi Martins is unavailable.

Benin, who have two Nigerian-born players in their ranks in the form of Razak Omotoyossi and Muri Ogunbiyi, will be equally desperate to get something out of the game if they are to keep their chances of progress alive.

The Squirrels threw away a two-goal lead in their opening game against Mozambique to eventually draw 2-2 and coach Michel Dussuyer knows they now have plenty to do to.

"I am disappointed with the way we played, especially after the start,'' he said. "I have spoken to the players and they know what we have to do against Nigeria.''