Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu believes Nigeria's new generation are maturing just at the right time to put an end to his country's 10-year wait for a repeat triumph at the African Nations Cup.
The Super Eagles last won the continental title here in Tunisia in 1994 but since then have only a runners-up spot in 2000 and a third place in 2002 to show for their efforts.
Many observers had written Nigeria off as a declining force but Kanu is adamant that the decade-long drought has caused by the retirement of the old guard combined with new faces taking their time to settle.
"There was no decline as such," said the 27-year-old Kanu whose experience will be vital when Nigeria take on hosts Tunisia at Rades Stadium on Wednesday in the semi-finals.
"It was more a case of the team being totally renewed following the international departure of players like Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Finidi George, Taribo West and many others.
"Young players have come into the team but they have needed time to pull Nigeria back up and we needed time to get to know them. I think we have been successful in this period of transition."
Kanu, who has yet to find the net in the tournament so far, added that Sunday's 2-1 quarter-final win over old rivals Cameroon - only their second in six Nations Cup meetings - was not a shock to him.
"We knew they weren't unbeatable and that we could win if we had a good day," he said.
"I don't think Cameroon are the team they were two or three years ago especially the defence.
"To concede three goals against Zimbabwe, who were playing in the event for the first time, cannot have been very reassuring for the team. Egypt drew with them but I think had Egypt had a little more self-belief, they could have won that match."
Kanu said the team have also put behind them their opening 1-0 defeat to Morocco - the two could meet again in Saturday's final if the Moroccans beat Mali in their semi-final and Nigeria see off Tunisia.
"We never envisaged such a defeat against Morocco," admitted Kanu.
"We didn't react well that day. But things have got better since and Nigeria have improved."