France coach Raymond Domenech has urged his players to take Tuesday's friendly clash with Nigeria seriously.

Les Bleus will face the African nation in St Etienne in what is the first ever meeting between the two sides.

The fixture comes at the end of a long season for the French players, and is closely followed by another friendly against Turkey on Friday.

Although Domenech's men are enjoying a break from their World Cup qualifying campaign, the coach does not want to see his side lose their competitive edge.

"June is always special," he told L'Equipe. "We fought hard to make sure we had no qualifying matches this month and we were successful.

"This has allowed us to play friendlies instead, which always hold an interest in sport. They show how players react during a difficult period.

"June is when World Cups and European Championships are held."

Domenech continued: "If I recall, international players are not on holiday. Some teams are still playing qualifiers. Germany have toured Asia, Italy and Spain are playing in the Confederations Cup.

"I have no doubts over the mood and desire of the players. Tiredness could be a factor, that's true. But they could be playing qualifiers instead.

"These matches should be met with the same determination. This is not tourism."

Les Bleus' next World Cup qualifier is not until August 12, when they travel to Group Seven strugglers Faroe Islands.

Although that is over two months away, Domenech is keen to use this week's friendlies as preparation for that match, which France will need to win if they are to keep up the pressure on group leaders Serbia.

"This may amuse you, but I'm worried about the match against the Faroe Islands," Domenech said.

"At that time, the players' preparations will be at different levels. Some will have played competitive matches, others will still be training for the new season.

"We have to get it into the players' heads now that match is worth three points."

Striker Thierry Henry, who last week celebrated winning the Champions League with Barcelona, has pulled out of the squad because of a knee injury.

Opponents Nigeria, who played out a 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland last week, will have one eye on Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Kenya.

The Super Eagles were held to a goalless stalemate by Mozambique in their opening Group B clash and will be keen to beat Kenya on home soil as they aim to close the two-point gap on group leaders Tunisia.

Coach Shuaibu Amodu will be without Michael Eneramo in France as the striker was unable to get a visa.

Joseph Yobo and John Mikel Obi, who were both involved in the FA Cup at the weekend with Everton and Chelsea respectively, are set to join the squad today.