Martins wins surprise Nigeria recall

By -
Striker Obafemi Martins has won his first Nigeria call-up since March 2013 after being named in the squad to face Swaziland in a World Cup qualifier.

Martins admitted he was surprised to be in coach Sunday Oliseh's 23-man group for the two-legged tie, which will be played on 13 and 17 November.

The 31-year-old told BBC Sport: "It was a bit of a shock, but a nice shock.

"I'm very happy, because I have always worked hard, supported and respected all the players picked by the coaches."

Martins was last called up by Nigeria in March 2013 for a 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya.

Despite being his country's most in-form striker last year, alongside Ikechukwu Uche, he was omitted from the Brazil 2014 squad.


However his good form has continued this season - he has struck 15 goals for MLS side Seatlle Sounders - and Martins is determined to make the most of his Super Eagles recall.
"I thank coach Oliseh for this great opportunity. I'm just looking forward to going out there and playing for Nigeria again," he said.
Another player returning to the international fold is Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, who missed Nigeria's last competitive game against Tanzania in September due to suspension.
Former Nigeria international Oliseh has also kept faith in English Premier League trio of John Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo and Alex Iwobi.

But there is no place in the squad for West Ham's Victor Moses, who pulled out of Nigeria's friendlies against DR Congo and Cameroon two weeks ago.

Swaziland will host the first leg of the World Cup qualifier in Lobamba, with the return leg at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

The winner will advance to the final group phase to decide Africa's five representatives at the tournament in Russia.

Nigeria squad:

Goalkeepers:
Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Dele Alampasu (Club de Sportivo Feirense, Portugal)

Defenders:
Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Kalu Orji (Enugu Rangers FC); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz, Germany); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors)
Midfielders
:
ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Wilfred Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium); Sylvester Igbonu (FC UFA, Russia)

Forwards:Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders, USA)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Start a Business: Step-by-Step

By -
Image
If you're thinking of launching a startup, this step-by-step guide will walk you through all you need to know, from coming up with an idea to building your brand. Brainstorm ideas Every new business starts with an idea. Maybe there's something you're really knowledgeable and passionate about, or perhaps you think you've found a way to fill a gap in the marketplace. Come up with a list of businesses you could see yourself starting. You could start a home-based business like an event-planning company or child care service, or mayb
Read more

EFCC Accuses Man Of Swallowing $115,000 At The Airport

By -
Image
One Onwuasonya Augustine was charged to court on Tuesday by the EFCC for allegedly swallowing $115,000 to avoid declaring it to officials of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. He was arraigned along with five other alleged accomplices, Christian Okoli, Kingsley Nwokenta, aka Buchito, Nwokenta Emmanuel, Ezenwa Ikenna and Ezenwa Uzoma for the offence of money laundering The six were charged with four counts before Justice C.J. Aneke of a Federal High Court in Lagos. The agency alleged that Onwuasonya and the 5 others committed the offence on August 25, 2015, and were apprehended at Room 303 of a five-star hotel in Lagos. The sixth accused, Uzoma, was singularly charged with the offence of obstructing an NDLEA official, Bello Tsanya, in the discharge of his duty. However, when the charges were read to the six accused in court, they all pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor said: “In view of the plea of the accused, I respectf
Read more

CBN extends BVN registration

By -
Following pleas from Nigerians, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has decided to extend the deadline for the registration for Bank Verification Number (BVN) by another four months. Bank customers who are yet to register now have till October 30 to do so, reports Daily Post. The extension followed the uncontrolled crowd at the different branches of Nigerian banks that has made business transactions almost impossible. The apex bank in a circular to the banks directed them to extend the timeline to their customers to enable them have the BVN. The extension would also give Nigerian bank customers in the Diaspora ample time to register.
Read more