Santos recently acquired Tunisian nationality

Brazilian-born striker Santos has been told that he would be making a mistake if he represented Tunisia at next month's Nations Cup finals.

Santos recently acquired Tunisian nationality but his coach at French club Sochaux loathes the idea of his key striker being away for nearly a month.

Guy Lacombe said Santos would be making a "stupid" mistake by going to the Nations Cup which begins next month in the striker's new homeland.

Santos has been instrumental in lifting Sochaux into fourth in the French championship.

"I honestly think that it would be a mistake," said Lacombe after Sochaux had reached the last eight of the French League Cup with a 1-0 victory over Marseille.

He added: "I hope the board will persuade him to do otherwise."

The 24-year-old striker, formerly of crack Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel, lived in the north African country for four years before joining Sochaux in 2000.

Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre is keen to select the striker who has been a key player for Sochaux this season.

His nine goals have also propelled the club into the third round of the Uefa Cup.

Apart from Santos, Lacombe could lose up to another six other players for the Nations Cup which run from 24 January to 14 February.