Greece forward Dimitris Salpingidis has warned his side will need to keep their focus all over the pitch if they are to get their World Cup campaign back on track against Nigeria.

The Euro 2004 champions slumped to a 2-0 defeat against South Korea in their opening Group B outing and, with Nigeria also losing to Argentina in their first match, Thursday's encounter between the two in Bloemfontein could be vital for both nations.

The 28-year-old Salpingidis admits they need to be wary of the threat posed by the Super Eagles, saying: "Nigeria, like us, are in a difficult situation because they lost their first match. They are a very good team. They are physically strong and fast, and also have quality.

"We must be focused for 90 minutes in defence and attack, and we need to be properly prepared so we can get something positive out of the match.

"At this level you have to be prepared in all areas. Even against Argentina, Nigeria created chances and problems."

Greece's loss to South Korea means that in their four matches in World Cup finals they have yet to pick up a point or even score a goal, having lost all three fixtures on their previous appearance back in 1994.

Salpingidis insists his team are looking forward rather than back though, adding: "Statistics are for the journalists. We don't go out onto the pitch thinking about what's being said or written, or what's happened years ago. We go out trying to win every game."