© Reuters 2002

STOCKHOLM, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu has admitted he is under great pressure to succeed at the African Nations Cup.

Nigeria won their first game against Algeria 1-0 on Monday and face hosts Mali in their next match in Bamako on Thursday. "If we don't win tomorrow against Mali, I won't be surprised if I'm fired the day after," he was quoted as saying in Wednesday's edition of the Swedish daily Aftonbladet.

Amodu has been Nigeria's coach on two previous occasions (1994-95, 1996-97) and was dismissed both times. He became the coach for the third time last year.

Amodu said that the African Nations Cup taking place this close to the World Cup finals, which start on May 31, gave teams from other continents an edge.

"All European teams that have qualified into the World Cup have an advantage since they know more about the African teams playing there -- and they can study them here." Nigeria have been drawn in World Cup group F with England, Sweden and Argentina.

Amodu has said he will step down in September regardless of how his side do in the World Cup or African Nations Cup.