Shaibu Amodu admits traditional rivalry will be an added incentive when Nigeria come up against Ghana in the African Nations Cup semi-final but is confident his team can prevail.

The two west African giants clash in Luanda in one of two final-four derbies - the other seeing Egypt take on Algeria in the battle of the north - as the tournament reaches its closing stages.

The sides have had contrasting passages to the penultimate stage, with the Super Eagles especially struggling as most of their star names have failed to really deliver, apart from in their last group game against Mozambique, which they won 3-0.

They were woeful in the quarter-finals, only getting through on penalties after being dominated by Zambia, who did everything but score.

And coach Amodu knows his troops need to lift their game.

''We will have to improve,'' he said. ''We have great respect for Zambia, they have a compact and well-structured side that may be average but with a good understanding of each other.

''We knew it was going to be difficult but not that difficult.''

Looking ahead to the meeting with Ghana, he added: ''Tradition has it that whenever Nigeria and Ghana are involved in any sporting challenge, not only football, you see the players going all out for victory.

''This will also be evident on Thursday.

''We did not play well against Zambia, the match against Ghana will be a different cup of tea.''

But he does not believe winning at the Estadio 11 de Novembro is impossible, adding: ''They a youthful team and the cream of their under-20 side are here to fight for a World Cup shirt.

''You can be sure that they will be a tough nut to crack. We have seen them play, they will be hard to beat, but not insurmountable.''

However, Amodu will have to make do without Joseph Yobo after the Everton defender was ruled out of the competition with a hamstring injury while Onyekachi Apam is suspended following his red card against Zambia.

Ghana, who beat hosts Angola in the quarter-finals, have been boosted by the news their top goalscorer in the competition, Asamoah Gyan, has been passed fit after a thigh problem.

And coach Milovan Rajevac - already without a host of regular players - is confident his young troops can prevail.

He said: ''Of course we are missing players like (Michael) Essien, (Steven) Appiah and Anthony Annan.

''We have had to call up a lot of new players but what I have here is a team with a very competitive spirit and a competitive style of play.

''There is an excellent atmosphere in our team, which is very important.

''I'm happy to see that my guys know how to compete. This team can definitely get better.''