Nigeria opened their AFCON 2021 qualifiers with a not to convincing 2-1 victory over Benin Republic at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium on Wednesday.

The visitors took the lead through Stephane Sessegnon before a Victor Osimhen penalty and incredible solo goal by Samuel Kalu helped the Eagles fight back to pick three points.

However, Gernot Rohr’s team didn’t look their usual sharp and pacy self – the teams that held Ukraine and five times World Champions Brazil recently.

But, there was a logical explanation for the Eagles lethargic display in Uyo, as former Forward and Chief Scout Victor Agali explained.

Most of the players had flown in on the eve of the game and had little time to rest, Agali told www.brila.net.

“We could actually say fatigue was an issue, most of the players came through on 7-hour flights to Uyo before the game and only had recovery training; nothing too serious.

“But we also have to give credit to the Technical crew for a job well done,” the former Super Eagles Forward stressed.