Very bad news today for our 23 year-old striker Oba Martins, as news has come through that his mother has died in Lagos.
Oba Martins was on a plane back to Nigeria tonight, after the reported sudden death of his mother in Lagos.
The player was immediately given compassionate leave by his club, Newcastle United, after his mother, Alhaja Martins, collapsed during the early hours of this morning, and was later pronounced dead in hospital.
Oba will need to handle the sudden death of his beloved mother, and her funeral.
He will not now be available for the Newcastle game this Saturday at Doncaster, which now fades into insignificance.
We offer Oba our sincere sympathies on this sudden and tragic event.
105 responses so far ↓
1 Ever seen a mackem in Milan? // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:34 PM
Condolences to Oba and his family. Hope it doesnt affect him like Kuyt his father’s death affected him a lot.
2 scott9 // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:36 PM
wot can i say i am really sorry to hear about that martins i dnt think our concerns shud b about wheather he will b ok to start the seasons i think our concerns need to b with martins and the death of his mum.
3 Chris // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:37 PM
Oba was very close to his mum. My heart goes out to him and his family. RIP Oba’s mum.
4 Luke // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:37 PM
@Ever seen a mackem in Milan?
what kind of comment is that?
sympathies oba
5 natedawg // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:42 PM
thoughts go out to the martins , RIP
6 Lull // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:42 PM
Condolences to Oba and his family
7 Ever seen a mackem in Milan? // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:43 PM
You have seen what happened to Kuyt since his Father passed away and I dont want it to happen to Oba. And im not sure what i should say. Sorry if it upset you.
8 Tom // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:43 PM
Mines about 140
9 Brazilian Geordie // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:45 PM
Condolences to Oba and his family
10 Michael (NOR) // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:46 PM
Condolences to Oba and his family:-(
11 Leeg123 // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:46 PM
any 1 watchin the hibs barca game sign gudjohnsen up now. rip Mrs Martins
12 Paul R // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Sad News … All the Best Oba …
There is no doubt he has done his Mother and us Geordies proud – he will get through it as he is a strong un and im sure his Mother will still watch out for him doing his summersaults in th future… starting at Old Trafford … RIP Alhaja Martins.
Thoughts also go out to the rest of his family & friends aswell.
13 Lull // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:49 PM
I hope he take it well. The kid is just 22-years old, it really sadden me to see a child lost his/her parents, especially at young age
14 paul [ // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:50 PM
very tragic news this evening. my thoughts go out to oba and the rest of his family.
15 John // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:51 PM
RIP Mrs Martins
16 Tom4Nufc // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:53 PM
You know we love you Oba, we all feel your pain, and will support you however we can.
R.I.P Mrs Martins
17 Dondatta13 // Jul 24, 2008 at 8:54 PM
R.I.P the late Mrs Martins … He often flew out to tend to his sick mother, Im personally devistated for the lad.
18 Yahya Ahmad // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:12 PM
R.I.P Alhaja Martins!
19 Dips // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:16 PM
If anyone can help Oba through hard times, I would bet on KK. Condolences to the Martins family.
20 Nick C // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:18 PM
Very sad news….
21 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:19 PM
thinking of you and your family! Sorry to hear about the death of your mother! R.I.P!!!
22 sirjasontoon // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Dondatta13 you are personally devastated?..bit strong did you know her I suppose you are still in shock about Keegan’s nephew eh?
RIP Oba Mom I am sure Keegan will be looking after Oba.
23 harrier // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:32 PM
Condolences to Obafemi and his family
24 domtoon // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:32 PM
My goodness it’s been a sad day today for the Toon
(.
God be with Oba and his family
(. May his ma rest in peace 
(.
25 Clive // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:33 PM
Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to Oba.
As had been said, it is very sad and tragic when someone so young looses their mum. Especially when it is so unexpected.
KK will no doubt help, as will I am sure his team mates through this difficult time.
Perhaps the players could wear a black arm band in the next game. That would be a very fitting thing to do. I am sure they will.
26 Toon1978 // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:36 PM
Best wishes to Oba and his family.
27 Zero Cool // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:40 PM
Oba’s mum loved Newcastle City and Newcastle United. She was certainly one of the Toon Faithful…she will be missed.
Our hearts go to you Oba
28 Mac // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:41 PM
Sorry for the tragic loss of your Mam. RIP Mrs Martins.
29 meiny_obano9 // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:46 PM
condolences to oba and his family. RIP
30 toonarmy08 // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:56 PM
RIP MRS MARTINS .he will bang 20 -25 goals in nxt season 4 his mums memory.sincere condolences oba !!
31 ObaFan2 // Jul 24, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Very sad news for Oba and at such a young age to lose a parent and to have lived so far from her, my thoughts are definately with you.
32 willy // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:13 PM
its a great loss,i must confess it will affect his game,though i dont pray so,hopefully not.i knew him back in nigeria,his mother is so dear to him.sorry,i wish u a peaceful heart.
33 CDN MAGPIE // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Rest in peace Mrs.Martins
An opening day hat trick against the red devils dedicated to your moms Oba. Our hearts are with you.
34 AndyT // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Can only add my condolances to those already here. RIP and thoughts to the entire Martins familly
35 Marty // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Condolences to the Martins family,very sad news for Oba.
May God help you all as you grieve the loss of your mum.
36 craig chisholm // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:20 PM
i think they will wear black armbands on the first home game too……..and oba will score three for his mum!!
you see that reyes has knocked us back due to personal terms? it looks like most players that dont come is due to personal terms these days. thats good news, we can still attract them in the first instance but only the true players who want to sign for us are doing so, this makes me warm to guthrie and spiderman even more. looks like duff will be our new truran i would say.
37 stantos // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:21 PM
My thoughts are with Oba, may your mum RIP.
38 hadrian // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:22 PM
poor poor oba
i wonder if there is anything we can do for him at this time ( i know , nothing replaces a loved one)
but maybe tribute song or two during the games .
his mother was a big part of keeping him in newcastle .
the whole of geordieland is thinking of you mate .
39 CDN MAGPIE // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Screw Reyes i hope we really weren’t in for him. He’s a light weight. Not suited for the prem.
40 Kaler // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Horrible thing to happen to someone at any age, but Oba is the same age as me and I’d hate to lose either of my parents. My thoughts go out to him and his family.
Off topic, just read this on the skysports site:
Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin is open to a move to Tottenham. According to Sky sources, he would welcome the chance to speak with chairman Daniel Levy.
God those yids will be smug if they land Ar$havin. Effing Spuds, bain of our lives at the minute.
41 Obafemi Martins // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:28 PM
Aye, rest in peace Oba’s mum. My thoughts are with him and the rest of his family at this sad time.
42 Obafemi Martins // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Aye, rest in peace Oba’s mum. My thoughts are with him and the rest of his family.
And no I’m not really him, surprise surprise.
43 Ian Grainger // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:30 PM
For a kid to lose his mother when he’s only 47 is devastating. RIP
44 reillers // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Condolences to him and his family.
RIP.
I’ve been to too many funerals then I’d like to remember but Martins is a wee lad, he’s just a kid who has so much pressure on him because of who he is, but we need to remember that in this case, he’s not a player, he’s a person, a kid, who’s just lost his mam, and believe me it’ll be very, very hard for him to get threw it especially being so far away, and he wont be the same. He’s entitled not to be. We shouldn’t be discussing when he’ll be back or how it’ll affect him. Right now he’s a kid who has to go burry his mam, and he should let be that kid and not a player for as long as it takes.
Oba is a gentleman. A complete dote. Thoughts of when he’ll play again or if it’ll affect him have no buisness here. He should and will because Keegan is a good man, take as long as he wants.
It’s a sad day for Newcastle, fans and players alike.
Go ndeannaidh Dia trocaire ar a anam dilis.
45 Nobby's Dad // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Oba’s one of ours…..everyone send the lad a condolence card addressed to the club just to show how much we respect him and feel his loss.
46 Dillon // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:37 PM
God bless Oba and all family and friends. x
47 jeffa // Jul 24, 2008 at 10:51 PM
R.I.P
48 NufcRob // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:15 PM
RIP Mrs Martins
Thoughts are with you Oba
49 Piers // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Not much can be said…God Bless the Martins family
50 valle // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Rest in peace Mrs. Martins, and hang in there Oba, she will cheer you on from above.
51 simcuz (ch-le-st) // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:26 PM
condolences to oba and his family my heart goes out to him
simcuz (ch-le-st)
52 sweendog // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:29 PM
My deepest sympathy to oba and his family .. she’ll be up there listening while 50000+ geordies cheer you on..
53 lacedaemonian // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:31 PM
Ah mate she must have been young. My thought s are with you.
54 hadrian // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:31 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dm9XrqQAAs
everyone should watch that , credit to th guy who made it .
55 TrueMag // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:35 PM
our thoughts are wiv ya oba….ya reaaly are one of us. rip mrs martins.x
56 Chris // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Out of respect, can everyone stay on the subject as I don’t think it’s the right place to be talking football matters. There’s other threads we can do that. Oba deserves our respect.
57 TrueMag // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:42 PM
well said chris mate……
58 Leo // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:46 PM
such a shame, no one deserves to loose their family in such a unfortunate way, my thoughts go out to you and your family oba
59 AltaBatalJoneN (NOR) // Jul 24, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Condolences to Oba and his family
60 bigb75 // Jul 25, 2008 at 12:14 AM
OUr prayers are with you ObA……and your family
61 young yasiin aka // Jul 25, 2008 at 12:30 AM
RIP Mrs Martins
Thoughts are with you Oba
62 brave new toon // Jul 25, 2008 at 12:33 AM
puts all recent comments into perspective..
terrible news. Oba is someone we’ve really teken into our hearts.
Deepest sympathy to Obafem, and his Family
63 Matty // Jul 25, 2008 at 12:57 AM
May the good lord give you strength to carry on Oba, in everything you do. God bless you and your family.
64 Oba's Mum // Jul 25, 2008 at 1:07 AM
I will be changing my name tmrw in respect. RIP mrs Martins
65 Ohboy23401 // Jul 25, 2008 at 1:16 AM
hid mother lives very close to my house and i see her every friday night when she is going to pray. May her soul gentle lives in perfect peace
66 Filline // Jul 25, 2008 at 1:18 AM
Condolences to Oba and his family.
67 TooooooN // Jul 25, 2008 at 1:23 AM
Condolences to Oba and his family
from newcastle fans in asia
68 Jimi // Jul 25, 2008 at 1:26 AM
Thoughts’s are with you Oba. Rest in peace Mrs Martins.
69 Spyro // Jul 25, 2008 at 1:49 AM
horrible news, R.I.P alhaja martins
70 ToonKing // Jul 25, 2008 at 1:53 AM
RIP, from nufc.hu
71 Spyro // Jul 25, 2008 at 1:57 AM
some dreadful news today eh toonking. Feel silly now for moaning at others on here for such silly things
72 Spyro // Jul 25, 2008 at 2:01 AM
its DISGUSTING that these deaths get next to no media coverage from the dirty tabloids down here. I can trully see now why most of you lot hate the southern press. If it had been a quote from Reyes snubbing us all of them would have been on it within minutes. disgusting
73 ToonKing // Jul 25, 2008 at 2:12 AM
yeah, it’s been a horrific day….
74 SwedeEric // Jul 25, 2008 at 2:14 AM
He is almost at my age. Don´t even wana think about how it can feel to loose your mother at this age!
A friend back in Sweden, who is 23 this year lost his mother cuple of mounth ago. Very nice lady! But when I meet him you could se in his eyes there was something missing.
This is by far the most horrible thing that can happen to a person, after burying you own child, to loose your parent at this age!
RIP
75 Nicholas Ee // Jul 25, 2008 at 2:30 AM
May God bless Mrs. Martins and family.
76 reillers // Jul 25, 2008 at 2:35 AM
It’s been an awful day. It really puts everything into perspective. It’s a pity how many times we’ve had to say that.
The poor wee lad has a horrible way in front of him. I wish I could take it away from him because I know, the pain that he feels, like his hearts ripped out of your chest. And it’s not something that goes away.
You know, he’s a gentleman, he’s a really nice lad. I read something about someone who met the team and they said that they were all lovely, especially Given and Martins, that they were both gentlemen. He’s not a typical everything goes to my head striker. He’s a nice, down to earth lad and he doesn’t leave that affect him that, he said was down to his mother.
He has the world at his feet but right now you can bet that all he feels is one big black hole. You can’t bury that feeling in a month. Especially when he’s living so far away from home. He’ll go and he’ll bury his mam. He’ll stay there for a wee while, for as long as he needs or is given and he’ll come back and he’ll play but just because he’ll be back wearing that jersey again wont make that emptiness go away. No matter how many games he plays.
Will that matter to the media who are too busy piping on about Ronaldo being a slave, to barely acknowledge her death, no. It’ll be mentioned now, they’ll sympathise but come a few months later and he’s not finding the back of the net, they’ll slate him. They wont take into account that he lost his mam, football has no patience. He was close to his mam, really close, and no amount of games will make that emptiness go away. There will be days when he’ll wonder whats the point. But they’ll get better, it’ll get better. I hope someone tells him that.
Football has no patience, the fans, the media give no time. It’s a pity seeing as the one thing that he needs, that will make it a bit better, to get over it, to move on, the one thing he needs is time.
77 dcbashore // Jul 25, 2008 at 2:41 AM
Terrible loss and a sad day for Oba. As we all know he was extremely close to his mother. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, just that they will be able to cope and go through the grieving process and come out stronger in the end. Screw how it affects Oba on the pitch, seriously. That’s unimportant.
EDIT: Incredible post, reillers. Very well said.
78 Toon raghav // Jul 25, 2008 at 3:19 AM
Condolences to his family.Rest in peace Mrs Martins.Such a bad news for whole nufc fans .
79 ginkoh // Jul 25, 2008 at 3:54 AM
Really sorry to hear that and i think every Toon players and fans be the same. Condolences to him and his family. :
80 Cloudstrife // Jul 25, 2008 at 4:13 AM
RIP Mrs Martins. we love you Oba. the entire Toon Army is by your side at this difficult time.
81 neozero // Jul 25, 2008 at 4:19 AM
Condolences to Oba and the Martins family
82 Malaysian Toon // Jul 25, 2008 at 5:59 AM
He probably won’t be able to read any of our messages here but I hope Oba knows that our thoughts and sympathies are with him.
RIP – Mrs Martins – You have a great kid to be proud of.
83 shirts // Jul 25, 2008 at 6:48 AM
How very sad… Our condolences, Oba.
84 Tommy // Jul 25, 2008 at 6:50 AM
R.I.P. Mrs Martins..
85 Chris C. // Jul 25, 2008 at 7:20 AM
I’m sorry to hear that. Condolences to Martins. RIP Mrs. Martins.
86 filthy mag // Jul 25, 2008 at 8:06 AM
Oba, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I hope our words come as some sort of solace to you. Be sure that the toon faithful send their thoughts and condolences to you. Your mum was and will continue to be proud of you. RIP Mrs Martins.
87 stumpofthetoon // Jul 25, 2008 at 8:09 AM
r.i.p mrs martins that link to you tube is briliant
88 WesToon // Jul 25, 2008 at 8:12 AM
im shocked & horrified,im SOOOO sorry Obafembi mate,R.I.P Mrs Martins!!! Oba you are a geordie & we Love u,hope you will be ok my friend!!! All the support & Love from us TOON fans here in south africa!!! Sad day for Newcastle this is
89 staffsmag // Jul 25, 2008 at 8:45 AM
RIP Mrs Martins – my thoughts are with Oba his brother and the rest of the family. Have met his brother and he spoke of his and Oba’s love for their mother. A tragic loss.
90 Graham // Jul 25, 2008 at 8:45 AM
Condolences to the Martins family. Not much more to say really. All the best Oba – we love you
91 HeronMag // Jul 25, 2008 at 8:47 AM
To lose his mother at this stage of life must be devastating for Oba and his family. Out sympathies lie with his family. RIP Alhaja Martins.
92 Frankieboy // Jul 25, 2008 at 8:48 AM
All our thoughts are with you Oba so keep smiling ok.
Every goal you score next season will be dedicated to your mam and this will make you more focused and more determined to score more to have your mam cheering more up there.
Come back when you are ready but we all hope that is soon Oba.
We all mourn with you as you are part of our big Geordie family.
93 jedidiah10 // Jul 25, 2008 at 8:59 AM
My heart felt condolences go out to Mr. Oba Martins.He’e an excellent young Man and i am sure that’s thanks to His mum’s good tutelage. My prayer is For God to give him the strenght to bear this irrepairabe loss.All will be well with Him.
94 piotr // Jul 25, 2008 at 9:09 AM
R.I.P Alhaja Sherifat Martins
95 Stami // Jul 25, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Condolences to Oba and his family
96 Chicken // Jul 25, 2008 at 9:28 AM
Terrible, terrible news.
Deepest sympathy, Obafemi.
97 Andy // Jul 25, 2008 at 9:31 AM
Very sad to see this story while doing my paper round this morning. The Sun are out of order with what they reported.
Oba is a top lad, an outstanding player and has always given 100% for the shirt. Nobody deserves and certainly not Oba. But look at Frank Lampard his performances were brilliant when his mother died and it shows it can spur a player on. lets hope it has the same effect on oba.
We’re all behind you oba and I give my condolences to him and his family
98 Davies // Jul 25, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Sympathies Oba. RIP Ma.
99 xfer // Jul 25, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Sorry to hear that, condolences to Oba’s family.
100 goochy23 // Jul 25, 2008 at 12:34 PM
condolences to the Martins family
101 Boater // Jul 25, 2008 at 3:59 PM
So sorry to hear today’s sad news… a tragic and sudden death.
Rest In Peace Mrs. Martins. You brought up a son who has values and loyalty – in an industry of greed. You should be proud.
102 oga // Jul 25, 2008 at 4:09 PM
R.I.P
103 Obafan // Jul 25, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Very sad to hear that Oba has lost his mum. Rest in peace Mrs. Martins.
Condolences to Oba and his family.
104 Lawman // Jul 26, 2008 at 2:57 AM
Such tragedy! RIP Mrs Martins. Thanks so much for giving us Oba and condolences to all friends and family of Oba. But I’m sure he’s trong enough to come thru this horrible experience. So sorry mate!!!!
105 R.D NUFC 4EVA // Jul 26, 2008 at 8:41 PM
R.I.P mrs martins thinking of oba nd his family at this time. RESPECT u gave us a great no.9
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