Nakata will be a threat to Nigeria

Nigeria face Japan in a friendly on Wednesday with the home team's coach Zico hoping to use the fixture to silence mounting calls for his dismissal.

The Brazilian legend's position is under scrutiny after a record which reads played 10, won two, drawn three and lost five.

Zico, who took over after Japan's 2002 World Cup campaign when they reached the last 16, has also failed to register a home victory so far.

In an effort to halt the run of poor results, Zico has selected his strongest possible team for Wednesday's game.

Several European-based players, including captain Hidetoshi Nakata from Italy's Serie A, have been called up.

"My players are motivated really well for tomorrow's match and they're in good condition physically," said an upbeat Zico.

Okocha did not travel to Japan

"We are ready to play our 100 percent for our first win at home."

But Zico also singled out Nakata for some veiled criticism, saying the time had come for the Parma midfielder to show stronger leadership.

"Nakata has a great presence in the midfield and good skills to go with it, but I want him now to show that he can also be a great leader for the other players."

Nakata is expected to line up in midfield alongside Junichi Inamoto who plays for Fulham in the English Premiership.

While Japan have drafted in their strongest squad, Nigeria by contrast have struggled to win the release of several key players.

Skipper Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, Joseph Yobo and Isaac Okoronkwo have all decided to miss the match due to club commitments.

"We would have loved to have him (Okocha) in this game as we continue our preparations for the African Nations Cup," said Taiwo Ogunjobi, the chief executive of the Nigeria FA.