Nigeria give Inter striker Martins 'last chance'
First Published: May 05, 2004
Nigeria coach Christian Chukwu said he had given Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins "a last chance to play for his country" by including him in a 22-man squad for friendly matches against Republic Ireland and Jamaica later this month in England.
"This may be his last chance because we will not beg any player to play for his country," said Chukwu.
"If he does not come now, it will be difficult for us to invite him again."
Nineteen-year-old Martins has so far turned down invitations to play for Nigeria, saying he is not mature yet to feature for the Eagles but that has not deterred the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) from giving him another chance to play for his country of birth.
His reluctance to don the country's colours has been roundly condemned by both the press and the public with NFA Chairman Ibrahim Galadima most scathing in his criticisms.
"Martins has yet another chance to show that he has Nigeria at heart," a top NFA official disclosed.
"It is now left for him to take up this opportunity or turn it down as he has on several previous occasions."
Martins is one of several players who were not involved at the last African Nations Cup in Tunisia in February but have now been given a chance to stake a claim for a place in the national team ahead of the Rwanda clash.
The others are midfield star Wilson Oruma who plays for Sochaux of France, Italy-based Perugia ace Christian Obodo and goalkeeper Sunday Rotimi.
However, there is no replacement yet for injured Hansa Rostock defender Gabriel Melkam, who recently underwent a knee operation.
The England friendlies to be played in London from May 26 and will serve as build-up games for the Super Eagles' World Cup qualifying tie at home to Rwanda on June 5.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Enyimba), Greg Etafia (Moroka Swallows/RSA), Sunday Rotimi (Dolphin)
Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Everton/ENG), Ifeanyi Udeze (PAOK/GRE), Seyi Olajengbesi (SC Freiburg/GER), Joseph Enakarhire (Standard Liege/BEL), Isaac Okoronkwo (Wolves/ENG), George Abbey (Macclesfield/ENG), Gabriel Melkam (Hansa Rostock/GER)
Midfielders: Austin Jay Jay' Okocha (Bolton/ENG), Seyi Olofinjana (SK Brann/NOR), Garba Lawal (Elfsborg/SWE), Ifeanyi Ekwueme (Wisla Plock/POL), Wilson Oruma (Sochaux/FRA), Christian Obodo (Perugia/ITA)
Strikers: Obafemi Martins (Inter Milan/ITA), Julius Aghahowa (Shaktar Donetsk/UKR), John Utaka (Lens/FRA), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Portsmouth/ENG), Osaze Odemwingie (La Louviere/BEL), Nwankwo Kanu (Arsenal/ENG)