The major newspaper in the state of Washington where Obafemi Martins Seattle Sounders is based, Seattle Times, have suggested that Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi made a mistake by omitting the striker from Nigeria’s World Cup squad.
Obafemi Martins
The publication dedicated a page to the man fondly referred to as ‘weapon of mass destruction’. A part of the write up is reproduced here:
“Is it already time for Nigeria to consider a change to its World Cup plans? The report asked, and went on to add:
“One day after national team coach, Stephen Keshi left Sounders FC’s Obafemi Martins off his preliminary roaster; the dynamic forward was once again at his playmaking best, leading Seattle to an electrifying 2-1 comeback win against FC Dallas with two pinpoint assists.
“Martins boasts 18 international goals but hasn’t been notably involved with the national team since the 2010 World Cup, so the omission was somewhat expected. His production this season, though, is becoming impossible to overlook.
“The way he is playing, (Keshi) might have considered him, said coach Sigi Schmid.
“Nigeria’s loss. Seattle will be happy to have Martins’ full services throughout the season, particularly with two starters — Clint Dempsey and Brad Evans — on track to represent the U.S. in this summer’s tournament in Brazil.
“MLS defenses won’t be happy, though. Martins has a league-leading six assists, two more than anyone else.
It ended by adding that Martins has been directly involved in more scoring moves than all but one player: Clint Dempsey, who has eight goals, three assists.