Former Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo believes the FIFA Confederations Cup which got underway in Russia on Saturday will make Cameroon a tough nut to crack when they play against Nigeria in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in August.
The Indomitable Lions will play their first game of the tournament on Sunday against South American champions Chile.
"The Confederations Cup in Russia is a massive advantage to Cameroon before they play Nigeria," Ekpo told nigeriasoccernet.com. "They (Cameroon) will be playing against top teams in the tournament and that is the kind of preparation that will make them difficult to beat.
"The Cameroonians also played some good friendlies. Nigeria only played Corsica and Togo, not the quality of teams we should be playing.
"Another thing I want to point out is that we seem to pay too much attention to our opponents. Ironically they don't seem to do the same. I don't know if it is the Nigerian press or something. South Africa, Cameroon and the other World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations opponents should be scared of us not the other way round.
"I have not read much about Cameroon talking too about the matches against Nigeria. They are preparing with far better preparations for the fixtures."
Ekpo added that a few more experienced players are needed in the Eagles fold.
He said: "The team that played against South Africa lacked leaders. The team cannot discard experience no mater what. Even in the Nigerian Professional Football League, there must be one or two quality players who have been around for a while that can be good addition to the national team."