Nigeria are favourites to lift the African Cup of Nations despite the loss of influential skipper Daniel Amokachi, says the country's ambassador for sport John Fashanu.

Fashanu, the former Wimbledon striker now representing Nigeria's sporting ambitions on the global stage, says although Amokachi's injury is a big blow, Nigeria are still strong enough to win the event.

"We have a lot of young players coming through and I still think Nigeria will reach the final in Lagos."

Every one of Nigeria's 22-man squad plays professional football in Europe, bar two who play in successful North African club sides.

Amokachi, who lit up the English Premiership at Everton and until recently was at Turkish side Besiktas, has been dropped because of a nagging knee injury.

Instead the side will be captained by Juventus midfielder Sunday Oliseh.

Oliseh, who was in the team that won the 1994 cup in Tunisia and Olympic gold in 1996, scored Nigeria's winner against Spain in their heroic 1998 World Cup win.

Celestine Babayaro (Chelsea), Kanu (Arsenal);Taribo West (AC Milan); Finidi George (Real Betis); Jay Jay Okocha (Paris St Germain) and Victor Ikpeba (Borussia Dortmund) are just six of the side's better known players.

But Fashanu says his tip for success is a little-known defender.

"He is tall and plays at number five. I'm sure everybody will spot him. I had him at Charlton for a little while but we had a problem getting a visa for him.

"There will be other bright stars but I won't put pressure on him or them by naming them."

With rejuvenated striker Kanu up front and tens of thousands of home fans urging them on, Nigeria have a big chance to win their third African Cup of Nations.

Nigeria were barred from the 1998 event after their decision to pullout of the 1996 competition due to a row with South Africa over the execution in Nigeria of nine human rights activists.

Egypt won in their absence two years ago, beating holders South Africa in the final, and these two teams represent their biggest threat.

Nigeria's most potent weapon will be Kanu.

Fashanu was instrumental in drawing up a peace deal between Nigeria and the striker's club, Arsenal, over his absence for the tournament.

"I could see the merits of both sides.

"On the one hand you have Arsenal who are paying one young man £40,000 a week so why should they release him for six weeks and possibly the season if he gets injured?

"On the other side you have Nigeria, one of the biggest countries in Africa, who expect to win the tournament and whose supporters would put their country first and expect every individual to do that."

Kanu was allowed to stay in England for an extra day to play in a recent FA Cup game but will not go back until the end of the tournament.