Geremi admits the Nations Cup campaign was very tiring

Newcastle United and Cameroon midfielder Geremi has admitted he was left exhausted by the Nations Cup.

The Indomitable Lion played in every game, as his side progressed to the final of Ghana 2008.

"I realised when I came back from the Nations Cup that I was very very tired," he told BBC Sport.

"The Nations Cup is one of the toughest competitions in the world, because you play six matches in 20 days," he said.

In the last few games for his club, Geremi has played a pivotal role in Newcastle's revival.

He scored in their recent 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

He also set up both goals in Kevin Keegan's first win in his second spell in charge, a 2-0 victory over Fulham.

But it has taken him time to get back to form.

Cameroon faced an intensive schedule in Ghana.

They started their campaign for the Nations Cup, against Egypt, on 22 January.

They were beaten 1-0 in the final, by the same opposition, on 10 February - just 19 days later.

"For us, this one was very difficult," Geremi told the BBC.

"We had a really tough competition; those of us who played all six matches really worked our socks off.

"I realised when I came back from the Nations Cup that I was very tired; I was sleeping all the time."