Nigeria international, Obafemi Martins has begged the new Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh to give him a another chance to star for the national team to prove that he is still a lethal striker he was famous for.
The Seattle Sounders striker, who only returned to action for the Major League Soccer (MLS) side last weekend after two months injury lay-off, netting a brace as they crushed Orlando 4-0, has also backed Oliseh to lead Eagles to greater heights.
The former VfL Wolfsburg star player believes his present prolific form and experience will be vital for the Super Eagles qualifying campaign. “I hope I will soon get another chance to score goals for Nigeria again. I also believe that with time and a little more patience the Eagles will come back to winning ways under new coach Sunday Oliseh. He has gotten all the experience we need in a coach, he has played the game before and I am really happy to see him in Eagles again,” Obagoal, as he is fondly called, said.
The former Newcastle and Inter Milan winder-striker, who was misquoted in December 2014, as declaring he had retired from international football after extensive snub from Stephen Keshi-led crew, however, said he was still available for international duties. “I never announced my retirement, in any form or anyway, it was not official at all, I was unhappy to be treated as if am not a Nigerian footballer, I have represented Nigeria, at the Nations Cup, World Cup, and I still want to play more, it’s a new Eagles now, led by Oliseh, so why will I retire now, I am still young,” the former FC Levante attacker declared.
Martins who made a scoring debut for Nigeria on May 29, 2004 against the Republic of Ireland last played for the Super Eagles in 2013; and has 39 caps with 18 goals.
On November 17, 2007, the attacker captained Super Eagles in a friendly against Australia that marked his 19th appearance. His 83rd minute strike on November 12, 2009 against Kenya in Nairobi ensured the Super Eagles qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
By Olisemeka Obeche
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