The agent of Obafemi Martins has insisted the Newcastle striker has missed Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers due to a bone fide ankle injury.
Oba Martins – has an ankle injury
Chris Nathaniel, Oba’s agent, told the Nigerian newspaper Kick-Off today:
“First of all, I would like to say that Obafemi takes his country’s assignments very seriously. He is very patriotic and is proud to be Nigerian,” “He actually had ankle injuries which he managed to play the last matches of his club season with the aid of pain killers.”
“In order not to aggravate the injuries, he had to see a doctor on time and right now he is in Italy for a check-up to determine the extent of the ankle injuries.” “Obafemi and I made attempts to inform the NFA officially, despite the fact that his injuries have been widely reported in newspapers.”
“Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu did not communicate with the player and he also found it difficult to get across to the coach before the Austria friendly.” “They do not have his contact addresses, telephones, e-mails and the rest. Martins should not be blamed for Amodu’s inability to get his correct contact details.”
“I think it is the duty of the staff of the NFA to make sure they have the details of all the players playing for the nation.” “And if they had done that, then the coach would be able to get in contact with Obafemi without any problem. I don’t think anybody can blame the player for that.”
Of course this is not the first time that Nigeria have been expecting Oba at a training camp, and he hasn’t turned up, for whatever reason.
But the Nigeria FA is not too well organized in having the right contact details for their players, which seems rather amazing in these times of the Internet and instant email communications.
We assume that Oba will be given a rest over the summer, so he can fully recover from these injuries, which is very good for the club that pays him, Newcastle United.
We hope Oba is fit for pre-season training, which starts July 6th, as he will be an important player for Newcastle next season, there’s no doubt about that.
Comments welcome.
13 comments so far
THELONGSHANKS
Jun 6, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Comment #1Any update on Arda Turan transfer?Today the last day we can get him before the tournament.
ELFER
Jun 6, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Comment #2That sounds much better now, ED! 😉
Don’t think (and honestly hope) we will get ARDA. Too much money to spend on him!!
broon ale
Jun 6, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Comment #3i read this 2 weeks ago on nufc.com!
some of these recent articles have been dog shit united
Davies
Jun 6, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Comment #4Don’t read them then Broon Ale.
HATE PRAWN S'WICHES
Jun 6, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Comment #5Why wouldn’t he be patriotic!! Oba has a lot to offer! he is a player which defenders and players cant control! his playing style is do diverse, I dont think he nows what he is doing until he gets the ball? a quality talented young player with an abundance of potential!!! understand why clubs like Arsenal want such a player!!!! a major part of our forward line for coming seasons!!!
broon ale
Jun 6, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Comment #6davies. i didn’t
51times
Jun 6, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Comment #7ELFER – To be fair mate I’ve never seen you say a good thing about the Turks. I think you’re a little biased when looking at Arda.
bettyswollocks
Jun 6, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Comment #8any print mistakes you’d like to clear up OCD Terry?
Popski
Jun 6, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Comment #9Now Now broon ale, this article came from Nigeria…………so only right that even though we know it was out a few weeks back, and is OLDER than advertised, it must claim to be YOUNGER!
So, Oba only missed the game cos he was looking after the grand kids, he took them to see Great uncle Kanu, so they could see his medals from WWII.
broon ale
Jun 6, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Comment #10good point popski 🙂
bessi
Jun 6, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Comment #11this article i also have read in the newspapers here in Kosovo 10-12 days ago….so it wasn’t suprised for me
oga
Jun 6, 2008 at 3:25 PM
Comment #12The Nigerian FA are a disgrace. They have ruined the potentially first great African football nation.
Leo
Jun 6, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Comment #13obafemi is a legend but after some of the things which has happened t him while in nigeria he probably is a bit aprehensive