Saints chairman Rupert Lowe is delighted that Southampton has been selected as the venue and believes it is a feather in the cap for the city and the stadium.

He said: "The fact they have chosen to play at the Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium makes me very proud and everyone connected with the construction can take great pride in their contribution.

"The Japanese looked long and hard to get the right venue and they chose us and that is testament to the quality of the stadium.

"To receive such a glowing tribute from the hosts of the 2002 World Cup is a great honour, especially within weeks of opening.

"It just shows how far Southampton Football Club has come with our new 32,000 seater stadium and we now have the capacity to stage many more events of this prestige.

"International football has at last come to Southampton and put the city on the map right across the globe.

"There will be a massive television audience so it is up to us to present ourselves well to the world."

Japan are now the major force in Asian football with such stars as Parma midfielder Hidetoshi Nakata, striker Naohiro Takahara of Boca Juniors and shinji Ono of Feyenoord.

There are also three English-based players in each squad. Japan have Arsenal midfielder Junichi Inamoto, bolton striker Akinori Nishizawa and Pompey keeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi.

The Nigerians have more famous names in Nwankwo Kanu of Arsenal, Finidi George of Ipswich and Celestine Babayaro.

Taribo West played for Derby last season but is currently without a club.

Tickets will be available on the day priced at £10 for adults, £5 for teenagers and £3 for children.

Kick-off is 3pm and the club are expecting a decent walk-up gate for what is expected to be a good family occasion and a first chance for many to see the new stadium as well as top quality international football.