Despite long absence Martins eyes Super Eagles call up

Despite a long absence from the National team, Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua’s forward, Obafemi Martins is still interested in playing for the Super Eagles.

The former Inter-Milan and Newcastle United striker, who said he is yet to announce his retirement from international football, would not mind to get called up by Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, as the team prepares for World Cup and Africa Nations Cup qualifiers.

At 32, the erstwhile goal expert believes he can still contribute to the success of the Super Eagles if called up by the manager, although he respects the fact that young players need to be given their chance in the team.

”I never said am through with international football. If the new coach of Nigeria Gernot Rohr needs me, I will gladly honour his call. I am fitter than ever,” Martins said.

Read Also: Rohr confirms Senegal, Ghana friendlies for Eagles

”You have to respect the quality of the young players who are coming through with the national team, they deserve to be given their chance in the team.

”Playing in China is way higher than in the past, we now have top model professionals in the league, so it’s no longer a case of if you go to China, you are winding down your career.”

Martins, who is currently leading Shenhua attack alongside Argentinian striker, Carlos Tevez in Asia, was a part of the Nigerian team that finished third in the 2006 African Cup of Nations; and also played with the team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Martins has had a total of 41 appearances for the Super Eagles, and has scored 18 goals for his country.

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