That's a super
replacement - Obafemi martins may not play the bullish style of injured Emmanuel
Emenike, who bulldozes pass defenders with such tenacity, but he sure has more speed
and arguably more nag for goals. When you consider the speed and mobility rate of
players in the current Super Eagles team- Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye, Sunday Mba...
Martins seem the best fit that could compliment their rate of play.
Martins was in
great form for his former Spanish La' liga side, Levante, where he had already scored
a total of 16 goals this season, before he got transferred to Seattle. Stephen Keshi,
Chief coach of Nigeria national team, extended invitations to him with the hope
that he would translate that same form into Saturday March 23 World cup qualifier
at UJ Esuene stadium Calabar.
There will be
no hiding place; the Harambe stars of Kenya will surely taste the fire power of
the current Champions of African cup of nations (AfCON). I guess Keshi want to continue
with the winning team and perhaps, improve on the weak links. Apart from dropping
fringe players like Captain Joseph Yobo, Ikechukwu Uche, Obiora Nwankwo, Efe Ambrose
and injured Emmanuel Emenike, other key players are intact. Vincent Enyema, Mikel
Obi, Victor Moses, Elderson Echiejiene, Kenneth Omeruo, Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye...
will be joining the 9 home based players selected for the encounter in Calabar.
UJ Esuene stadium
Calabar is gradually becoming a roosting ground for the Super Eagles. The last time
the national team played at the stadium in an AFCON qualifier against Lone Stars
of Liberia. It was a goal feast for the Super Eagles - Nigeria won by 5 - 1. The
team is hoping to enjoy such favor again.
Super Eagles
will be officially present the AFCON trophy to Governor Imoke and people of Cross
River State. The state will be appreciating them after the match with Kenya and
Super Eagles wouldn't want to spoil the party. A good victory against the Harambe
Stars will be icing of the cake.
