There is competition for places in the National Team of Peru. Jose Carlos Fernandez, 28, formerly with Belgian club Cercle Brugge, but now plying his trade in his homeland with Alianza Lima, hopes to convince gaffer Sergio Markarian of his qualities in the encounter against Nigeria to enable him earn future call ups.

Fernandez was quoted as saying by depor.pe: ''All National Team matches are very important, both official and friendly. If you have to put your leg and risk getting injured, do not hesitate twice.

''I long to be on that team-sheet so if I have the opportunity to play against Nigeria, in the field, will do everything as I do with Alianza Lima.''

Standing at 1.88 meters, Jose Carlos Fernandez has been likened to the AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.