No Super Eagles return for striker

Nigerian striker, Obafemi Martins has given up hope of playing for the Super Eagles again with the likelihood of the coach, Stephen Keshi retaining his job.

The Seattle Sounders Nigerian striker, according to Newswatch, Obafemi Martins who played only two games under keshi, said “I respect him as a coach, but I don’t think he [Keshi] likes me, that’s all. I don’t have any problem with him.”

Martins  said when asked about his relationship with the coach.

A close pal of Obafemi Matins also told the news website that Stephen Keshi is apparently not a fan of the striker.

“He has not been part of the team for about two or three years now, which is a long time in football. You should also remember that strikers in the team did well at the 2013 Nations Cup and the 2014 World Cup in his absence.

“He already knows that it’s really going to be a difficult decision recalling him especially as age is no longer on his side anymore; coupled with the fact that Keshi may continue as the coach,’’ Martins’ close pal, Gabriel Olalekan Newswatch.

“He is beginning to face the reality of the situation; so I don’t think he is still thinking about the Super Eagles any longer.

“He thought he would make it to the last World Cup, but he missed it. He was disappointed about it and that was like the last straw that broke the camel’s back. There are lots of younger players waiting on the wings to be capped, so he is aware that his chances of coming back to the Super Eagles are very slim.’’

Gabriel Olalekan however revealed that while Martins might be saddened by the snub, he is fully committed and focus on his MLS club.

The in-form Nigeria international has been one of the key figures in Seattle Sounders, helping them to win the Supporters’ Shield just as he netted 19 goals in 33 appearances for the MLS modest outfit last season, a club record, as well as notching 13 assists, a joint-club record held with Mauro Rosales.

undefined, started the new MLS season on a flying note scoring a goal in the 3-0 victory over New England Revolution on Sunday night. He scored his side’s second goal in the 41st minute before assisting strike partner, Clint Dempsey for the third goal in the 66th minute.

“His international career may have been over, but he still has a bright future in his club career. His priority for now is to focus on Seattle Sounders and keep on doing well for them. He does not want anything that will distract him from giving his best to the team.

“Oba really loves to play for Nigeria, but since he is not favoured in the coach’s game plan, there is nothing he can do about it other than to move on with his career. Luck is part of football and as long as the national team is concerned, I don’t think Oba has been so lucky,’’ Gabriel revealed.