France defender Bacary Sagna has cautioned his teammates of the threat posed by Nigeria ahead of the second round match between both nations on Monday at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The Manchester City-bound right-back stated Nigeria is the best African team at the moment and comprises players who play with some of notable clubs, especially in England.

”[Nigeria] are the best African team at the moment. They have very good players. Some play in the biggest European clubs, especially in England. They will fight and they have a lot of qualities. But we want to concentrate on ourselves.”

Striker Karim Benzema also mirrored Sagna’s comments, stating ”we have to get 100 percent ready for the knock-out match against Nigeria, who are a good, strong team, but we must do everything to win.”

Sagna, who has made one appearance for France at the mundial; in the goalless draw with Ecuador in the final group match, went on to state Les Bleus’ ambition in Brazil.

”As players, we aspire to go as far as possible, to win trophies. It would be a failure not to win the trophy. Initially, we wanted to qualify from the group. Now, we want to go step by step.”

France finished top of Group E with seven points to set up Monday’s meeting against Nigeria in Brasilia for a quarterfinal place. It will be the first time both nations will meet in the World Cup.