Celestine Babayaro's timely recovery from a groin strain may not be enough to guarantee him a place in Nigeria's line-up for Sunday's game against Argentina.
Babayaro joined the squad on Monday and has taken a full part in the Super Eagles training sessions.
"The coach has not said anything about whether I'm going to start against Argentina," Babayaro said.
"He did ask me how I was feeling, which is a bonus, because it shows he is concerned."
Despite being one of the Super Eagles most experienced players, the left-back knows the competition for places is fierce.
"Fingers crossed, I'll be in the starting eleven on Sunday," Babayaro said.
Recovery race
The Chelsea defender has not played since he was injured in the English FA Cup final.
He got special permission from coach Adegboye Onigbinde to delay his arrival in Japan by more than a week.
"I went to the friendly game against Ireland and asked for more time to have treatment with the Chelsea physiotherapist," he said.
"I had a couple of runs and did a little bit of training before I came out here and felt great.
"I began training with the team on Tuesday and I've had no pains, nothing at all."
Onigbinde is not saying if Babayaro is in his plans for Argentina, which could be the Super Eagles' toughest group match.
"He's been training fully, and if I had to judge him on that I would say he is well enough to play," the coach said.
"But that is if I consider it necessary to put him in the team. I have not decided on that yet."
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