Angola 's national team play local club Sagrada Esperanca on Thursday, in preparation for their African Nations Cup qualifying match against Nigeria's Super Eagles.

Brazilian coach Ismael Kurtz says he will use the game to measure the fitness level of the European-based players, who are expected to play a big part in Sunday's match.

Gilberto and Avelino Lopes, who play for African Club Champions Al Ahly, are expected in camp on Wednesday.

The Palancas Negras, as the national team is known, missed the 2000 and 2002 editions of the African Nations Cup.

Resurgence

But the success of their Under-21 team at the 2001 African Youth Championships has rekindled national hopes of leaving its mark on the African game.

Kurtz, who managed the Black Stars of Ghana a few years ago, believes a victory over Nigeria will be a great to Angola's campaign.

"Nigeria are undoubtedly one of the best sides in the world and we expect a very tough game.

"But we are preparing well, as it is important that we win in order to put our qualification campaign on the right track."

It is the first time since 1989 that the two teams have faced each other.

In a 1990 World Cup qualifier in Luanda, the match ended two goals apiece.