The two countries are undoubtedly among Africa's biggest footballing nations, with eight continental titles and two Olympic gold medals between them.

"It's the biggest fixture in African football, in terms of rivalry and history between both sides," former Nigeria captain Mutiu Adepoju told BBC Sport Africa.

"Cameroon has denied Nigeria the Nations Cup title in three finals. No other country can boast that in Africa."

On that occasion Cameroon, with stars like Roger Milla, Joseph-Antoine Bell and Theophile Abega, won 3-1 against a young Super Eagles team led by the late Stephen Keshi.

Another painful defeat followed for Nigeria at the 1988 Afcon held in Morocco, with the Indomitable Lions sealing a second Nations Cup title at the expense of the West Africans courtesy of a goal scored from the penalty spot by Emmanuel Kunde.

Playing on home soil, the Super Eagles had fervent fan support and pressure in equal measure as they sought to avenge the pains of the past.

"There was lot of anxiety in the camp before the final, because we knew Cameroon had many good players and history was on their side," Benedict Akwuegbu, who was a member of the 2000 squad, told BBC Sport Africa.

"It's always like a war whenever it's time for Nigeria to play Cameroon. Everyone knows it is an important fixture, where pride and bragging rights are at stake.