The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Obafemi Martins

  • Martins ‘Obagol’ makes courtesy call  on  NSC

    Martins ‘Obagol’ makes courtesy call  on  NSC

    Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins, popularly known as the ‘Weapon of Mass Destruction’ in his heyday  for his proficiency  in front of the goal posts, on Tuesday made  a courtesy call   on the General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade at   his office in Abuja. 

    Olopade expressed his delight at welcoming the former Nigerian international, describing him as a legend whose contributions to Nigerian football will always be remembered. 

    “I was very delighted to receive our former Super Eagles star, Obafemi Martins, in my office. So glad to see him around, and Nigerians cannot forget in a hurry all his exploits for the national team and in Europe, playing for some of the biggest clubs like Inter Milan, Newcastle United, and Wolfsburg, just to mention a few,” Olopade said. 

    Read Also: Elegbeleye backs Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo

    During their meeting, they had an engaging discussion about the future of Nigerian football, with Martins expressing optimism about the Super Eagles’ chances of bouncing back and securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

    . Olopade used the opportunity to call on young Nigerian footballers to emulate Martins’ dedication, patriotism, and commitment to the national team.

    He emphasized that Martins’ career serves as a blueprint for aspiring footballers, showing the importance of hard work, discipline, and a strong sense of duty to the country. 

    Martins, known for his blistering pace and thunderous strikes, remains one of Nigeria’s most iconic strikers, having represented the Super Eagles at multiple international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. His contributions to club football saw him excel in some of the world’s top leagues, leaving a lasting legacy in European and Asian football. 

  • PariPesa Presents Football Legend Obafemi Martins as New Brand Ambassador, Leads Team to 5-1 Win

    PariPesa Presents Football Legend Obafemi Martins as New Brand Ambassador, Leads Team to 5-1 Win

    PariPesa, a leading name in the betting and gaming industry since its establishment in 2019, has taken a major step forward by welcoming Nigerian football icon Obafemi Martins as its new brand ambassador.

    The company’s exciting announcement revealed its vision to inspire and engage fans through this high-profile partnership.

    A Legend Joins the Team

    Obafemi Martins, known for his blazing speed and stunning goals, has had an illustrious football career. He’s played for some of the world’s top clubs, including Inter Milan, Newcastle United, and Wolfsburg, leaving a lasting legacy across Europe and the world. His success also extends to the international stage, where he proudly represented Nigeria, scoring crucial goals in both the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

    One of Martin’s most memorable moments came in 2009, when he scored two crucial goals in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Kenya, securing the national team’s place in the 2010 World Cup. This kind of dedication and excellence is exactly what makes him a perfect fit for PariPesa.

    Website

    Facebook

    Telegram Channel

    A Shared Vision

    During the official announcement, PariPesa’s management expressed their excitement about this partnership.

    “It’s a real honour to announce that Obafemi Martins has joined the PariPesa family as our brand ambassador,” PariPesa Country Manager Damilare Obadimu said.

    “Obafemi’s experience, passion, and professionalism are a great match for our values at PariPesa. This partnership goes beyond just having a famous name. We share the same vision for the future, and we have many exciting activities planned with Obafemi that will engage our fans.”

    Martins, in turn, expressed his delight in joining the PariPesa team

    “Right from the beginning, I noticed the team’s dedication and professional attitude “he said. It’s an incredible feeling to be associated with a brand that has grown so rapidly and become one of the industry leaders. Partnering with PariPesa feels like the perfect next step.”

    A Bright Future Ahead

    This collaboration between PariPesa and Martins promises to bring an array of exciting activities and events for fans, particularly across Nigeria and Africa. Martins’ involvement is expected to strengthen the brand’s presence not only in Nigeria but across the global football community.

    His presence and influence, both on and off the field, will help PariPesa connect with a broader audience, building deeper ties with fans who have followed his career. PariPesa Nigeria’s Head of Marketing/Marketing Manager, Olubunmi Adeyera also noted saying “This is a further demonstration of our commitment to our customers.

    In all our years of operation, we have delivered only excellence not just only in  the sport betting but in the entire iGaming industry- Nigeria, Africa and globally And if you look at the trajectory of Obafemi Martins career you will find the same excellence, I mean this is someone that has played in world top leagues, made 42 appearances in for the Nigerian National team and scored 18 goals in the super eagles” So our partnership with Martins is about two excellent brands coming together give the best of services to our customers”

    PariPesa Secures 5-1 victory in Novelty Match

    Also in a related development, Obafemi Martins has also led the PariPesa team to its first victory in a friendly match between team “PariPesa x Obafemi Martins” versus Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to commemorate his ambassadorship deal.

    Martins, the team captain delivered a 5-1 victory to team PariPesa after scoring a Hattrick during the match despite the team SWAN scoring their first goal in the first half.

    Martins said he’s willing to partner with the PariPesa brand also in the area of charity to lift a vast population of Nigerian and African youth out of underground football to a world soccer stage.

    Win Signed Obafemi Martins Jerseys!

    As part of this exciting collaboration, fans can already participate in a contest to win Obafemi Martins’ autographed jerseys by visiting PariPesa’s social media. For more details, visit PariPesa Nigeria on X.

    Obafemi Martins’ partnership with PariPesa marks a new chapter in the Company’s growth and commitment to its customers. By teaming up with a football legend who shares their values of passion and dedication PariPesa are set to inspire millions of fans. As this partnership takes off, fans can look forward to exciting new ways to engage with both Martins and PariPesa in the coming months. Stay tuned for more updates and events from PariPesa and their newest brand ambassador, Obafemi Martins!

  • Obagol son makes winning debut with Brescia

    Obagol son makes winning debut with Brescia

    Kevin Martins, the he son of former Nigeria international striker Obafemi Martins, has made a winning star of his senior professional career after helping Monza beat Brescia in a Coppa Italia game.

    The 19-year-old Martins was featured in the starting line up by Coach Alessandro in front of the home fans at the U-Power Stadium.

    Monza took the lead as early as the fifth minute through Greek Georgios Kriakopoulous while Matteo Pessina added the second goal six minutes later even as 31-year-old Gianluca Caprari added the third goal from the spot in the 40th minute to end the first half with a 3-0 cushion.

    The visitor scored their consolatory goal deep into the second half through Patrick Amoako Nuamah in the 68th minute.

    Read Also: Ejuke elated over  match-winning goal for Sevilla

    According to Football Italia, the right-sided winger was born in Milan in January 2005, when his father, Oba (Obagol in Nigeria) while playing for Inter.

    Kevin spent time in the youth academies of both Milan and Inter, moving to Monza in January 2023.

    He has joint Italian and Nigerian citizenship, choosing to represent Italy at Under-15 level.

    Obafemi Martins was just a teenager when he first shot to fame at Inter from 2002 to 2006, going on to represent Newcastle United, Wolfsburg, Birmingham City, Levante, Seattle and more before hanging up his boots in January 2021.

    Obagol who will celebrate his 40th birthday on October 28, won the Scudetto, Supercoppa Italiana and two editions of the Coppa Italia at Inter.

    He played for Super Eagles between 2004 and 2015 and scored 18 times in 42 appearances for Nigeria.

  • Kabiru Adeniji: I love Martins but I want to be like Yekini

    MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN writes on the new scoring sensation in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) , Kabiru Adeniji of MFM FC of Lagos.

    They were two of the most storied Nigerian strikers and such was their goal scoring impact with the Super Eagles, that upcoming footballers still reel in awe of the achievement of the late Rashid Yekini and former Inter Milan striker, Obafemi Martins.

    While Yekini who made name with Portuguese side Vitoria Setubal was credited with 37 goals in 60 caps to emerge as the Super Eagles’ all-time top scorer, Martins had 18 in 48 international caps to earn his fifth spot behind the mercurial Mathematical Segun Odegbami (23 goals/46 caps); Yakubu Aiyegbeni (21 goals/57 caps) and Ikechukwu Uche (19 goals/46 caps).

    “I have met Obafemi Martins; I want to make a name and become a great player like him but one player I admire and would love to emulate is Rashid Yekini,” says Kabiru Adedeji, the new striking sensation with MFM who made a scoring debut against Kwara United penultimate week, and scored the winner against Rangers mid-week in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). “I have heard so much about many things Yekini did when he played for Nigeria and I can pick him as my hero.

    “I watched some of his tapes and I really like his speed and goal scoring abilities, which I think I also have. I can use both my right and left feet. I have speed and mobility; I’m also good in the air and, above all, I can score goals.”

    Already, Adeniji has been nicknamed Oba-goal (king of goals) – a moniker that was synonymous with Martins in his heyday, so much so that the Super Eagles’ line up was not complete without him.

    By some sheer coincidence, the older Obagoal and new Obagoal are protégée of a certain Monsuru Akibu – an experienced Mercedes Benz mechanical engineer with interest in football and politics.

    “ Yes,  I understand Martins and Uncle Akibu were together right from the start but, actually, the name  (Oba-goal) came out from my academy because I like to score goals,” explains  Adeniji who came in as a late second half substitute to nod home his first NPFL  goal for MFM.

    “Actually, I just resumed training few days to the match (against Kwara United) but my coach Fidelis Ilechukwu (aka The Working One) told me I can do it and that I should just go in to enjoy myself.

    “So, he gave me the confidence saying I should just play the match as if it was like a training session with MFM.”

    Incidentally, Adeniji is the type of player that would have gone away despite his precocious talent, since he was really learning how to bargain and sell engine oil until some divine intervention.

    He offers:  “It’s true that with God all things are possible and I want to use this opportunity to thank coach Ilechukwu for giving me opportunity with MFM.

    “My soccer career started with the feeder team of Shooting Stars in Ibadan where I played for one season and I later joined Fabulous Football Academy (owned by Akibu).

    “I was loaned to Almar FC of Ijebu Ode where I played for one season before going back to Fabulous Academy. I played briefly for Stationery Stores too before MFM came for me.”

    Footballers are always finicky about the choice of their jersey’s number, but, according to Adeniji, his choice of jersey number 16 at MFM has nothing to do with his anniversary since he was born on 16th August 1998.

    “I like to play football,” admits Adeniji. “My mum and football are the only things that can give me joy in my life.

    “But death didn’t allow me enjoy my mum; she was very special to me but she died on 16th January 2014.

    “That is why I am wearing  jersey number 16 because I lost something big with the death of my mother and I think that is one way for me to honour her.”

    Yet Adeniji is full of praises for others who had stood behind him through thick and thin, following the death of his mother some five years ago.

    “Many thanks to my blood brothers, Lookman and Jamiu, because they always want the best for me.

    “Also,  special thanks to my dad (Mr. Anisere  Adeniji) and his brother, Hon.Iyiola Hameed Ambali,  who gave me so much support when I was with Shooting Stars.

    “I can’t also forget coach Ogundele Ayodele and Egbeleke Olamilekan because he was the one that took me to Hon. Akibu at Fabulous Academy.”

    Adeniji is a long-standing faithful supporter of Manchester United ‘because of the good job under Sir. Alex Ferguson’ and he reckons football must be played with some panache.

    “I love good football; I love MFM because the coach (Ilechukwu) wants us to play good football. I like Manchester United especially during the time Sir. Alex was there because they played well.

    “Well, I like rice very well and I like to listen to good gospel music before any match because that would stimulate me.

  • Martins donates scholarships worth millions of dollars to Oshoala foundation

    Nigeria football icon Obafemi Martins has donated scholarships worth millions of dollars to Asisat Oshoala Foundation ahead of her clinic tagged Football4Girls Clinic.
    Oshoala, the reigning women African player of the year, queen of women football in Africa and the only African who represents women footballers in FIFA, has scored three goals at the ongoing 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Ghana.
    The Oshoala School Girls Football Clinic is an intensive five day coaching for aspiring women footballers.
    Exceptional talents spotted will stand a chance of playing football in China and United Kingdom as well as furthering their education.
    The clinic is endorsed by the Nigeria Football Federation and the Lagos State Football Association and also supported by the office of the first Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency Mrs. Bolanle Ambode.
    About 5000 girls from different secondary schools are expected to take part in the competition. Balls, pair of boots, jerseys, school bags and other educational and sports equipment will be distributed to all participants.

  • Martins scores hatrick in Shenhua 4-2 victory

     

    *Ighalo fires blank, suffers home defeat

    Out of favour Super Eagles forward Obafemi Martins was on fire for his Chinese Super league club Shanghai Shenhua on Saturday, grabbing a hatrick in the 4-2 defeat of visiting Hebei CFFC.

    Martins, who decided against giving the visitors a breathing space, opened scoring in the 62nd minute after the visitors had scared daylight out of their host with a 48minute goal thanks to Zhang Chengdong.

    Home fans at the Hongkou Stadium (Shanghai) were down cast at the end of the first half with the visitors on the driving seat as they looked with uncertainty to what will happen in the second half.

    On resumption of play however Martins hit target in the 62nd minute after a timely assist from Columbian import Andrés Moreno, but the visitors shot into the lead again through Argentina’s Ezequiel  Lavezzi two minutes later in what could be interpreted to mean catch me if you can warning.

    But that was the best the visitors could register as it became a Matins all the way affair from then on.

    The Nigerian was on target in the 76th minute to level score at 2-2.  Teammate and Columbian ace Guarín Vásquez increased the tally before

    Martins again returned just before the final whistle to seal the team’s fourth goal with assistance from Mao Jianqing.

    The former Seattle Sounders and Newcastle ace who joined the Chinese Super League in 2016 has so far made over 38 appearances for the side scoring over 16 goals.  While it was victory song for Martins however, same cannot be said of Odion Ighalo just back to club duties after featuring in the friendly matches for the Super Eagles ahead of the world cup in Russia.  Ighalo who saw 90 minutes action for his club Changhun Yatai on Saturday, suffered a 2-1 defeat at home no thanks to visiting Guangzhou R&F.

    He was equally shown a yellow card just before end of proceedings when the visitors converted a penalty.

    Super Eagles Captain John Obi Mikel who missed double friendly matches against Poland and Serbia respectively may lead his Tianjin Teda teammates to war against Jiangsu Suning on Sunday. Mikel who doubles as the team’s captain missed the friendly matches trying to renew his work permit in China. It is however hoped that he would have smoothened all rough edges to take part in the remaining friendly matches lined up before the World cup which kicks off in on June 14.

    Eagles will face Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in the group stage.

  • Whilshere still brooding over Martins shocker

    Whilshere still brooding over Martins shocker

     

    Seven years after Super Eagles forward Obafemi Martins denied Arsenal the chance of lifting the EFL Cup at the Wimbley Stadium, Arsenal midfielder Jack Whilshere is still brooding over the defeat.

    The England international who revealed a desire to lead the Gunners to victory in Sunday’s final against Manchester City recalled with pain how Martins who currently plies his trade in China with Shanghai Shenhua, dashed Gunners dream scoring a crucial goal in front of 88,851 spectators that saw his then club Birmingham city running away with a 2-1 victory.

    Arsenal were huge favourites ahead of the Wembley decider seven years ago, but Obafemi Martins’ 89th-minute winner following a mix-up between Wojciech Szczesny and Laurent Koscielny – secured an unlikely Blues win.

    Wilshere, who played in that match, is now hoping to go one better against Premier League leaders Manchester City in a competition Arsene Wenger has never won.

    “In 2011, we were expected to win and I was convinced we were going to win and come home with silverware,” he told Sky Sports.

    “I think it helps as you grow up in football. You get more experience in these [situations]. I know we didn’t like it, but I think it helped me in my career; it was a horrible feeling.

    “We’ve won at Wembley in the FA Cup and it was the best thing ever. [They are] totally different emotions and we don’t want to feel [defeat] again.

    “We know that City will be tough, but we also know what it takes to win at Wembley, and we have a fantastic record there. It’s a final and anything can happen. We’ll be ready.

    “Since [the Birmingham game], we haven’t really been anywhere near [the final] in this competition. I want to add this trophy to my collection, and almost feel there is some unfinished business because of the 2011 final.”

    Wilshere was branded “the most over-rated player on the planet” by Roy Keane this week, after captaining a Europa League loss at home to Ostersunds, but the England international says he is pleased with his form after appearing to have finally shaken off his long-term injury problems.

    “I’m happy with the way I’ve been playing and happy to be back,” he added. “It was a long road back and I never doubted myself, but it was nice to prove to myself I can fight and get into this team.

    “I’m enjoying being back in the first-team fold here. I had a good year at Bournemouth, but the plan was to come back here,” he added, referring to last term’s loan spell at the Vitality Stadium.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Asian Champion league: Martins face tough challenge

    Asian Champion league: Martins face tough challenge

     

    Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua will be banking on 100% input from their Nigerian import and Super Eagles forward Obafemi Martins as they face tough opposition in the Asian Champion league.

    The Chinese FA Cup winners face a tough test in the 2018 Asian Champions League after being drawn Wednesday against top Japanese club Kashima Antlers and Australian A-League leaders Sydney FC.

    Shanghai Shenhua unexpectedly beat expensively assembled rivals Shanghai SIPG in last month’s FA Cup final, without Argentine forward Carlos Tevez whose future in China is in doubt after a poor run of form.

    But the absence of Carlos was not felt as the Nigerian international took the bull by the horns.  He scored the only goal in the first leg of the 2017 Chinese FA Cup final and scored a spectacular goal in the second. Although their opponents,

    Shanghai SIPG, won the second leg 3–2, Shanghai Shenhua won the trophy on away goals. Martins who has made over 39 appearances for Shanghai Shenhua since joining the club in February 2016 has netted over 19 goals and the technical crew

    are optimistic he will harvest more goals for the side both at the Champions league and the Chinese Super League where they currently occupy the 11th position on the table.

    But they have a fight on their hands in the group stage of Asia’s premier club competition against Antlers, finalists in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup and Sydney.

    Two-time winners and Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande will face South Korea’s Jeju United, Thailand’s Buriram United and the winner of Japan’s Emperor’s Cup, following the draw in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.

    2017 AFC Champions League winners Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan are not competing after failing to qualify.

    Runners-up Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia face Iran’s Esteghlal and Qatar’s Al-Rayyan, as they make a fresh bid to end years of dominance by East Asian clubs.

    Meanwhile 2016 champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors of South Korea are set to return to the tournament after being barred last year due to a bribery scandal.

    The group stage runs from February to April with the West and East Asian teams kept apart until the final in November.

  • Obafemi Martins donates hospital equipment, mobility aids

    Obafemi Martins donates hospital equipment, mobility aids

    Shanghai Greenland Shenhua FC striker, Obafemi Martins, on Thursday donated hospital equipment and mobility aids worth millions of Naira to the Lagos State Government.

    Presenting the equipment to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode at the State House in Alausa, Ikeja, Martins said that the gesture was part of the mission of his foundation –  Obafemi Martins Foundation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the equipment include 185 wheel chairs,100 baby cots,180 crutches, 60 hospital beds ,13 electronic wheelchairs and 400 pieces of white canes for the blind.

    “It is an honour for me to introduce something very dear to me which is my philanthropic foundation.

    “The mission of the foundation is to assist the less privileged,” Martins said.

    He expressed confidence that his contribution to the society would impact positively on lives.

    Responding, Ambode hailed Martins for the donation, describing it as a worthy, noble and selfless act which demonstrated the football star’s commitment to the country, especially Lagos State.

    “We believe strongly that sports can be a veritable tool to touch humanity, and Martins has just exemplified that.

    “You have shown yourself to be a true model on and off the pitch, and the state is proud to be associated with you,’’ Ambode said.

    The governor gave the assurance that the equipment would be used judiciously.

    He called on other well meaning individuals to emulate Martins by giving back to the society. (NAN)

  • Martins missing in Shenshua victory Ighalo fires blank

    Martins missing in Shenshua victory Ighalo fires blank

     

    Nigeria international and Shanghai Shenshua forward Obafemi Martins was not listed as his side claimed a 0-2 victory over hosts Yanbian Funde at the Yanji Nationwide Fitness Centre Stadium on Saturday.

    Teammates Carlos Tevez and Cao Yunding grabbed the goals for the visitors in the 13th and 69th minutes of the goals respectively.

    While Martins was not listed for his side, compatriots Brown Ideye and Odion Ighalo were in action for their respective sides Tiajin Teda and Changchun Yatai. Ighalo was in action for Yatai for 90 minutes but could not register his name on the score sheet, rather it was his teammate Du Zhenyu that scored for the team but had Chongoing Dangdai lifan level up in the 70th minute.

    It was however Brown Ideye that could be said to have suffered more pain after his side lost at home to table topper and visitors Guangzhou R&F.  Although Li Yuanyi shot Tiajin Teda into the lead in the 28th minute, the lead could not be sustained as the visitors piled pressure to equalise in the in the 39th minute and added the winning goal in the 74th minute.  The victory has seen Guangzhou R&F consolidate on their number one position with 34 points in 13 matches

    Ideye has made 13 appearances for Tianjin Teda this campaign with four goals with Tianjin Teda occupying the   13th with 13 points.  Fans of the team believe that things will turn around for the better when their recuperating captain and Nigerian international John Obi Mikel returns in a few weeks.