Keshi recalls Obafemi Martins
by George Akpayen 08 March 2013, 05:43
Levante striker, Obafemi Martins has been handed a call by Nigeria in a 15-man list of overseas players for this month's 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifying against Kenya.
The 28-year-old forward, who has been linked to a switch to the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the USA, is getting a recall after missing out of the squad to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi, said Martins deserves "another chance" with the African champions.
"He deserves another chance after missing the Nations Cup," Keshi told supersport.com.
Newcastle United forward, Shola Ameobi was missing from the list just as the like of Peter Odemwingie, Taye Taiwo and Kalu Uche were not listed by Keshi.
However, 11 of those who helped Nigeria win the Afcon were called but Spartak Moscow forward, Emmanuel Emenike was left out of the squad announced on Thursday owing to his recent injury.
Keshi also gave surprise calls to Ukraine-based Babatunde Michael and Academica de Coimbra's John Ogu while talented former Under-23 midfielder Nnamdi Oduamadi also make the cut.
The African champions play hosts to Kenya’s Harambee Stars in a Group F game of the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualification in Calabar on March 24.
The Nigerian currently lead the group on four points ahead of Namibia, Malawi and Kenya.
THE FULL LIST
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Elderson Echiejile (FC Braga, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands)
Midfielders: John Obi Mikel (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Fegor Ogude (Valerenga, Norway); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Babatunde Michael (Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine); Nnamdi Oduamadi (A.S Varese 1910, Italy); Obafemi Martins (Levante, Spain)
