Croatia's Inter Milan winger Ivan Perišić has presented his thoughts ahead of their World Cup opener against the Super Eagles.

Perišić has revealed that Nigeria are a side to be reckoned with, having qualified for six of the last seven World Cups and four of the last six Olympic Games, however, he is targeting a win when they face off with the three-time African champions on Saturday.

''The victory would give us confidence and it would be easier for us to continue the competition,'' Perišić said at Wednesday's press conference.

''We respect Nigeria, who regularly qualifies for big competitions, but it's all up to us and so we will set up on the ground.''

AC Milan striker Nikola Kalinić added : ''We must show respect, they certainly have good offensive players, they have shown themselves against England and will undoubtedly be difficult, but we need to see where our biggest chance to win is''.

The Super Eagles will have a final training at their base camp in Essentuki by 1000 hours local time today before they leave for Kaliningrad by 1555 hours.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : hns-cff.hr