Martins doubt for Eagles tie
Super Eagles and Newcastle of England petite striker Obafemi Martins faces a big dilemma over his appearance for the Eagles in their proposed February 6 friendly with Ghana, as his club might stop him from honouring the tie, Nigeriansportsonline. com have gathered.
Nigeria wants the 22 year-old for their grudge match against Ghana in Brentford on February 6, but Nigeriansportsonline. com learned that his club might prevent him from playing the game so as not to burn out.
A source in England revealed that the game comes three days after Newcastle’s away trip to Fulham in the English capital of London and under normal circumstances Newcastle would be tempted to withdraw their £10m summer signing from the Nigerian squad as they also have an important home game against Liverpool on February 10th as well as an UEFA game on February 15th.
Now, Martins faces a dilemma as to who to choose between country and club, as the Nigerian FA has promised to field it’s best squad for the game billed as the 2008 African Cup of Nations final, while Martins has also expressed delight in taking part in the game but may be halted by his club who are facing an injury crisis and do not want to see Martins get injured or fatigued.
Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has hailed the presence of Martins’ mother at Tynecastle as the reason behind the former Inter-Milan striker’s form.
Roeder told his club website and gathered by Nigeriansportsonline that Martins’ excellent performance of late was due to the fact that his mum was now around him in Newcastle.
He said: “Oba's mother has come across to Newcastle.
"She has been staying with him and this has given him a lift. I don't how long she is staying, but if she is the reason why he perked up in the second half against West Ham on Saturday then I hope it is for a long time!" Roeder added.