Posted by By GBOLAHAN DADA on
Hope of Nigeria's soccer sensation and Newcastle new signing Obafemi Martins playing against visiting Niger Republic this weekend may have been dashed with the injury sustained by the Nigerian, Sunday.
Hope of Nigeria's soccer sensation and Newcastle new signing Obafemi Martins playing against visiting Niger Republic this weekend may have been dashed with the injury sustained by the Nigerian, Sunday.
Obafemi opted out of the Nigeria squad to face Niger in a 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifier on September 2 when the Newcastle's new $18.9million signing sustained a thigh injury during his English Premiership debut against Aston Villa, Sunday.
Martins told BBC Sport that he would now have to concentrate on regaining fitness.
"It's a shame that horrible incident happened," the striker said.
"But I feel a bit relieved with the doctor's comment that I will be fine soon. That means I have no option than to rest it as told.
"I love to wear the colours of my country and was looking forward to the game on Saturday.
"But I am confident that the other players will do the nation proud without me," he said.
Martins, who made his Nigeria debut last year, also spared a thought for fans of his new club.
"My heart goes to the Newcastle fans as well because they have been extremely wonderful since I got here.
"I promise to reward them when I get back on my feet again."
Nigeria is in Group 3 of the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, alongside Uganda, Lesotho and Niger.