Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel believes fitness will be crucial for any team which has a victory at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in mind.
After the demanding campaign across Europe in the just-concluded 2018-19 season, 24 teams are ready to battle for glory later in the month, with the high temperatures predicted in Egypt.
Aware of the new competition format, Mikel - who has played three played in three Afcon tournaments - recalled how Nigeria won their third continental title in their last outing in South Africa 2013 and why fitness is key.