Posted by Guardian on
Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins has turned down a request from Inter Milan to interrupt his African Nations Cup campaign and play in today's league match against Lecce.
Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins has turned down a request from Inter Milan to interrupt his African Nations Cup campaign and play in today's league match against Lecce.
Martins had told his club that he would fly back to Italy to play the game, should Nigeria be assured of a quarter final place after their first two group matches.
But with the situation in Group D still unresolved, the Super Eagles striker has decided against flying to Italy and will concentrate on helping his country confirm their place in the last eight of the Nations Cup.
"It's a really sad situation for the team because we have usually four strikers but Alvaro Recoba is injured and I'm here playing for my country," Martins told BBC Sport in Port Said, Nigeria's Nations Cup base.
"To play today and then fly back to Egypt for Tuesday's game against Senegal is impossible because I have to train with my international team-mates."
Martins, who scored 22 goals for Inter last season, said his international commitments take priority at this stage, even though he would have loved to help his club through their present difficulties.
"The fans and officials at Inter want me and I love them so much, but when you're torn between two important worlds, then you have absolutely no control over it," Martins said.
"It's a tough decision for me but I've decided to stay here in Port Said and help Nigeria. I just hope that my club can cope without me."
The 20-year-old siad that he is not unduly worried by his failure to score in Nigeria's two matches so far.
"I'm not under any pressure to perform here in Egypt. I love scoring and I want to score goals. But when I fail to score and the team wins, I don't think there is a problem."