Martins Defends Injury!

Last updated : 06 June 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

His agent insists the Newcastle striker has missed Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers due to injury, even though he was seen at a wedding (when he was supposed to be playing for his country).

Chris Nathaniel: "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."