The Nation Newspaper

Tag: MARTINS

  • Martins China move ‘not completed’

    Martins China move ‘not completed’

    Seattle Sounders general manager, Garth Lagerwey, has said Obafemi Martins transfer to China has not yet been finalised.

    Lagerwey confirmed that Martins is not with the club at training camp in Walnut, California, adding that there is interest in the Nigerian forward from a Chinese club.

    “It could take a while to have that resolved,” africanFootball.com quoted the official as saying on the ex-Inter Milan striker.

    “And there’s really nothing we can add at this point.”

    Lagerwey said the club hopes to know more about the transfer in the coming days.

    “We’ll do what we need to do, we have contingency plans. If that third DP spot opens up, it gives us a lot more roster flexibility and the ability to implement our long-term vision for this team,” he said.

  • Martins joins China’s Shanghai Shenhua

    Martins joins China’s Shanghai Shenhua

    Obafemi  Martins has joined China’s Shanghai Shenhua in a multi-million dollar deal, BBC Sport can reveal.

    The 31-year-old makes the switch from Seattle Sounders, where he scored 43 goals in 84 appearances for the MLS club he joined in March 2013.

    Martins was linked with a move back to the Premier League in the January window, but British agent Tony Harris along with the player’s attorney Soroosh Abdi brokered the deal taking the Super Eagle to China instead.

    Martins, who joins Senegalese striker, Demba Ba at the Shanghai club, becomes the latest high-profile player to make the switch to the cash-rich Super League.

    Colombia striker, Jackson Martinez, former Chelsea midfielder Ramires, Cameroon captain Stephane Mbia and ex-Serie A duo Gervinho and Fredy Guarin are among the other big Chinese signings in 2016.

    Martins burst into the international limelight at Italian side Inter Milan before switching to Newcastle in August 2006. He scored 35 goals in his three seasons with the Magpies.

    The striker, who has also had spells in Germany, Russia and Spain, will be remembered for scoring Birmingham City’s winner in their 2-1 Carling Cup final victory over Arsenal in 2011 – the club’s first silverware since 1963.

    He has scored 18 goals in 41 international appearances for three-time African Champions, Nigeria and was voted Africa’s most promising talent in 2003 and 2004.

  • Martins tasks youths on use of internet

    Youths have been urged to explore the positive aspects of the internet to grow their faith and knowledge of God.

    Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev Alfred Adewale Martins, gave the charge at the Diaconate ordination of three candidates Christopher Adeyemi Atoyebi, Emiri Odey Emmanuel and Vitalis Osinachi Ezeigwe at the Ss. Philip & James Catholic Church, Lekki Lagos.

    Describing the internet as a tool for building knowledge, the Archbishop opined that it is no longer enough for youths to know God but to aspire to have personal relationship with him as the Alpha and Omega.

    He said: “You should not use the internet just for e-mails and some of the regulars you do some of which are counterproductive, but you should use it to build your faith in God.

    “Search for more knowledge about him, his ways and deeds. Don’t be satisfied with just knowing Christ, establish personal relationship with him,” he said

    While praying for peace in the country, he reminded the faithful of the need to take the New Year, which has been declared Jubilee Year of Mercy seriously by imbibing the examples of Christ in words and action.

    Ss Philip and James played host to Catholics from all walks of life including families and friends of the three new Deacons who thanked God for making their elevation to the Diaconate possible even as their well wishers continued to pray for them to ultimately become Reverend Fathers.

     

  • Rio 2016 Olympics: Martins wants to be an Olympian

    Rio 2016 Olympics: Martins wants to be an Olympian

    • Says Nigeria will rule African football in 2016

    Super Eagles and Seattle sounders  striker, Obafemi Martins wants to play for Nigeria at next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    The United States-based striker wants to be selected as one of the three over-aged players in the Nigerian squad.

    Nigerian U-23 coach, Samson Siasia is yet to name his Olympic squad nor invite any player outside the age bracket for the Olympic football tournament.

    “I love my country and I always want to play for my country anytime , if Siasia calls me to represent Nigeria at the Olympic Games in Brazil why not, I am always free to be part of the team , Siasia is a fantastic coach leading the dream team to winning ways in Senegal, so its the dream of every player  to be part of the Olympics, ,”

    Obafemi, who was recently recalled to the Super Eagles team after almost two years, scored 15 goals in the out gone season for Major League Soccer outfit, Seattle Sounders.

    He also  backs Sunday Oliseh to succeed as Nigerian senior national team gaffer, as the Super Eagles next face Egypt in March in a Nations Cup qualifying game

    “I am really happy to be part of the new Super Eagles led by Sunday Oliseh. He is a world class coach , he has played the game before to the highest level and is currently puting that into bear now , but with the little I have seen and working with him I am sure the  Eagles will rule African football in 2016 and qualify for AFCON and World Cup. ,”

     

  • MARTINS BAGS AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP

    MARTINS BAGS AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP

    NIGERIA international, Obafemi Martins will no longer count as a foreigner for Seattle Sounders as he has been listed as an American following the issuance of a Green Card to the ex-Inter Milan forward.

    Nigeria allows for dual citizenship and this is also good news for Seattle Sounders, who could now sign another foreign player in place of Martins.

    Obafemi Martins obtained the Green Card at some point this year and this was confirmed when the Major League Soccer (MLS) released the roster update for all the 20 MLS teams and listed Martins as a home player.

    Sounders may benefit more in cases like that of ‘Oba’ as Jamaicans, Oniel Fisher and Damion Lowe, who have spent several years as students and professionals in the US could obtain Green Cards soon.

    MLS clubs are allowed to have eight foreign nationals.

  • Martins won’t quit

    Martins won’t quit

    Nigerian striker, Obafemi Martins has said he is not thinking about calling time on his career at international level.

    Martins made his senior debut for Nigeria in 2004 and has since gone on to score 18 goals in 41 appearances for the Super Eagles.

    The striker said he is surprised he is still playing at a high level as he never imagined the scenario when he earned his first cap.

    “I have been playing professional football for 16 years and to be honest, I never knew I would last this long,” Martin told supersport.com.

    The attacker said he has adapted his game over the years and takes care of his body to remain relevant in the game.

    “As you get older, you have to realise that there are certain things you do as a young footballer that you can no longer do when you are older. When I was at Inter, one of my closest friends, (former Italy international), Christian Vieri advised me on how to stay long in the game and I must say his words have proved wise.

    “I was surprised when the coach (Sunday Oliseh) recalled me to the (Nigeria) squad but I know I can still do it because I am playing well for my club, Seattle Sounders. Everyday, I wake up, I work hard and to be honest, I am not thinking of quitting just yet,” he said.

    Obagol, as Martins is nicknamed, has been in great form in the United States’ Major League Soccer (MLS), scoring 15 goals in 24 matches this season.

  • Pascal hails Martins’ recall

    Pascal hails Martins’ recall

    Super Eagles coordinator, Patrick Pascal  has applauded the recall of Obafemi Martins into the Super Eagles by Chief Coach Sunday Orgochukwu Oliseh as a welcome development.

    Pascal disclosed that the invitation of Sounders striker would motivate the  young strikers such as Odion Ighalo and Kelechi Iheanacho to give their all while on national duty.

    “Look Obafemi Martins is an experienced and ageing striker. It will be a shame if Martins is chosen ahead of Ighalo or Ihenacho,” said the ex-Eagles  player.

    He said the Super Eagles handler included Martins in the call-up due to his exploits in the MILS  and the call by Nigerians who watched  the striker weekly scoring goals for his club. ”

    Martins should see  his inclusion as the last chance to prove that what is doing in the  MLS is not a fluke  by replicating such performance in the national team,” stated the team’s co-ordinator.

    “I pray for the striker to perform and give in more than 100% as not to dissapoint the coach and the fans who called for his invitation.”

  • Martins’ Eagles return, desperate call – Akpoborie

    Martins’ Eagles return, desperate call – Akpoborie

    Former Super Eagles striker, Jonathan Akpoborie has described the invitation of MLS-based forward Obafemi Martins as a desperate move on the part of the Coach, Sunday Oliseh.

    Speaking with www.footballlive.ng Akpoborie expressed doubts over Obafemi’s return to the national team after a 2-year absence.

    Nigeria face Swaziland in the 2nd round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers but Jonathan Akpoborie, who scored 4 goals in his 13 senior team appearances, argues that the returnee is an aging player who may not be able to make an instant impact as he would need more time to understand the team.

  • Martins rescues Seattle Sounders

    Martins rescues Seattle Sounders

    Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins was again the hero for MLS side Seattle Sounders when he scored the equaliser to earn them a point at Houston Dynamo.

    ‘Oba’ as he is called in the USA has now scored 15 goals this season, just two goals shy of his tally last season.

    On Sunday, the former Birmingham City striker struck in the 82nd minute to deny the hosts victory.

    Seattle Sounders are fourth on the table with 48 points from 33 games. Seattle are in for final series play-off spot.

  • Martins listed for MLS Player Award

    Martins listed for MLS Player Award

    Seattle Sounders striker Obafemi Martins is one of the contenders for the Etihad Airways MLS Player of the Month award for the month of September.

    Montreal Impact striker Didier Drogba, Toronto FC star Sebastian Giovinco, Kei Kamara (Columbus Crew SC ) and Lee Nguyen of New England Revolution have been nominated alongside Martins.

    During the period under review, the Nigeria international netted in four games on the spin – against Toronto, San Jose Earthquakes, Vancouver Whitecaps and Sporting KC.

    The winner of the accolade will be determined by a fan vote on the official website of the MLS, mlssoccer.com.

    Martins has not won the Player of the Month award since September 2014.