Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback is confident the Super Eagles will finally show their worth in Tuesday's crucial Group B clash with South Korea.

The African side goes into the encounter in Durban on the back of two straight defeats in their opening World Cup matches.

"I am very positive about our game tomorrow," said Lagerback. "Let's hope we can show that an African team can play well and get a result."

Lagerback expects a battle from start to finish against the 2002 semi-finalists, who beat Greece before losing 4-1 to Argentina.

"It's going to be difficult," he said. "But this is a World Cup and every game is tough.

"I nevertheless believe we can win.

"I think the team has the right attitude.

"We have a really good team and I hope we can show it to the world tomorrow."

Despite losses to Greece and Argentina, Lagerback's men can still qualify for the last 16 provided they beat South Korea and the South Americans take three points from Greece.

"We hope that Argentina will help us along the way," he said. "But we have to concentrate on our game and get a result.

"As a coach, nothing is impossible and Greece could beat Argentina but really I expect Argentina to win that game."

Should Nigeria fail tomorrow, Lagerback has neither confirmed nor denied if this would be his last game in charge of the Super Eagles.

"Every coach always prepares to stay longer in a tournament," he said.

"We haven't discussed that between me and the federation.

"We will see after the World Cup."

Lagerback has not ruled out making changes to the side that lost 2-1 against Greece.

Nigeria captain Kanu could be given playing time having sat out their opening two matches.

"I could make changes," he said. "Everybody in the team wants to play this game.

"Kanu is in the picture and it's quite possible he could play tomorrow."

The former Sweden coach said the team has not been affected by the death threats received by Sani Kaita after he was sent off in the 2-1 defeat to Greece.

"It's not a good thing," he said. "I think it's very sad that this situation comes out.

"But it's something that we have to handle and I think the players have handled it really well.

"I was also happy to see how the players supported Kaita in the team's meeting."

The 61-year-old is confident left-back Taye Taiwo and Uwa Echiejile will feature in tomorrow's match after both players sustained minor injuries against Greece.

"They both trained today and it's possible that they will play tomorrow," he said.