Okocha (left) isn't giving up yet (Allsport).

By From Ian Parkes, PA Sport, Narita

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Nigeria captain Jay Jay Okocha is refusing to give up on his side's prospects of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup.

The Super Eagles were outplayed and outthought by a far superior Argentina side, who served notice they are intent on living up to their billing as favourites for the World Cup.

The margin of victory at the Kashima Stadium may only have been by the 56th goal of Gabriel Batistuta's international career - and his 10th in World Cup finals - but the gulf in class was far more apparent.

Only poor finishing and fine goalkeeping by Ike Shorunmu prevented what would have been a more realistic scoreline, as well as a huge dent to Nigerian confidence.

Nigeria's players trudged away from Ibaraki on Sunday clearly disconsolate at their performance, and with coach Adegboye Onigbinde stating his side have to beat Sweden on Friday and England in nine days' time if they are to finish in the top two.

That would appear to be a tall order, but one if achieved would more than likely see England and Sweden on an early plane home as it is hard to envisage Argentina not reaching the last 16 given their quality of players and level of performance.

Paris St Germain midfielder Okocha was comfortably Nigeria's best outfield player against Argentina, but even he realises this Nigeria side is perhaps not on a par with the one which reached the second round at USA 94 and France 98.

"The boys who played did well, but we are still a young team and a new team, and we need more time," pleaded Okocha when asked what message he wanted to send home to the people of Nigeria.

"You could see the determination was there and that they gave their best.

"We should compliment them, and even though we were beaten, we were not disgraced.

"So all hope is not lost. History will not give up hope on us. We will continue to try our best and we still believe we can make it."

Arsenal star Kanu is expected to be fit to face Sweden in Kobe after being forced out of the game early in the second half with an abdominal injury.