Obafemi "Obagol" Martins

[Trim]

Newcastle striker Michael Owen is looking forward to playing alongside Obafemi Martins when he is fully recovered from knee surgery.

The England ace said: "I think Oba has done very well and he'll be a good player to play alongside.

"Obviously there are always question marks at some point, and that seemed to happen with him early doors.

"A lot of people were getting on his back, but I think he's shown in the last month or two that he's a very good player and he can score some spectacular goals.

"I think the crowd have taken to him and he's fitted in really well. It's always difficult coming to a new country, but I would say so far he has made a good impression on everyone.

"I think that when we've got everyone fit we will have a bit of everything, Shola Ameobi has height and strength while Oba has the pace."

tribalfootball.com - Newcastle's Owen excited by Martins partnership

[kennethlindheim]

Should be interessting, but the problem is that none of them are a target man. That's what we need. A Shearer type of guy.

[kennethlindheim]

Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins has incurred the wrath of Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen after missing Tuesday's friendly international against Ghana.

Eguavoen has threatened to report the former Internazionale star to FIFA after the striker failed to join up with the rest of the Super Eagles squad for the game at Brentford's Griffin Park, which Ghana won 4-1.

"He was invited but to my great surprise he is not here. He's nowhere to be found - he's not even in England," said Eguavoen.

"I will go to FIFA, which is the highest authority in football, as this is the highest level of disrespect."

It has been reported that Martins returned to Nigeria to see his mother, who is unwell.

FIFA could impose a domestic suspension on the 22-year-old if they rule he snubbed his country.

Earlier this season, FIFA threatened to ban Chelsea's Claude Makelele for two matches for every France game he missed.

Martins in hot water - Newcastle_United FC News from Football.co.uk

That is absolutely ridiculous. Why should Martins be forced to play for his country if he doesnt want to? And why should we suffer for it, unless it can be proven for a fact that we ordered him not to play for Nigeria? Fucking wankers.

[Jager]

It is bloody ridiculous. If he doesn't want to play, then he shouldn't.

And the country doesn't have to call him again either. Problem solved.

[oxfordblues]

makalele.france tried to ban him

[waynelyp90]

Originally Posted by Jager

It is bloody ridiculous. If he doesn't want to play, then he shouldn't.

And the country doesn't have to call him again either. Problem solved.

Guys, representing your country is something you should do. People feel honoured when got the chance to represent the country.

Yes, Martins have his rights but if Nigeria is a government that bans football or force all the boys here to go into army or become good scholars, do you think Martins can become what he is today?

The country gave you the chance to prosper so you must give back. Money changes things very much nowadays and loyalty to countries become questioned...

[kennethlindheim]

Originally Posted by oxfordblues

makalele.france tried to ban him

Yeah, I remember.


Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says Claude Makelele is being treated as "a slave" by France coach Raymond Domenech.
Domenech has insisted Makelele reports for Euro 2008 qualifiers against Georgia and Italy, despite the midfielder announcing his retirement.

"Makelele is not a football player - Makelele is a slave," said Mourinho.

Fifa rules state Makelele faces a domestic ban if he does not turn up for France and Mourinho added: "We have no chance. The rules are there."

Makelele, 33, came back from retirement to help France qualify for the 2006 World Cup where he was on the losing side to Italy in the final.

"He's played the biggest game you can, the World Cup final, and now wants to retire but the coach told us if he is not playing for France, he is not playing for Chelsea," said Mourinho.

"We know the rules. You are a slave, you have no human rights."

[CantonaStillGod]

He should be able to go and see his sick mother if he wants to for god's sake

[Dellas]

Originally Posted by Jager

It is bloody ridiculous. If he doesn't want to play, then he shouldn't.

And the country doesn't have to call him again either. Problem solved.

I agree if Martins is away or tired then he shouldn't have to play, it should be his choice.
The problem is that some players might just try and skip the friendlies and give really bad reasons, so while some players are playing international and league games some players are just playing league games, and resting. If you cannot force players to play in international friendlies than many players would not go and the country might have to forfeit.
So what would be the best solution??

[Ben_W]

Originally Posted by waynelyp90

Guys, representing your country is something you should do. People feel honoured when got the chance to represent the country.

Some people obviously don't. You can't apply your principles to everyone else.

[Jager]

Originally Posted by waynelyp90

Guys, representing your country is something you should do. People feel honoured when got the chance to represent the country.

Yes, Martins have his rights but if Nigeria is a government that bans football or force all the boys here to go into army or become good scholars, do you think Martins can become what he is today?

The country gave you the chance to prosper so you must give back. Money changes things very much nowadays and loyalty to countries become questioned...

Are you bloody serious? Playing for your country is an honour, but NOT an oblligation.

He has made a decision to spend his break with his family, that should be the end of it.

But as I said, if the Nigerian federation don't call him again because of this, then so be it.

I always got the impression from Martins that he didn't want to play for Nigeria, in interviews that I have seen.

He could of played for another country if I'm not mistaken???

[Trim]

Originally Posted by Jager

It is bloody ridiculous. If he doesn't want to play, then he shouldn't.

And the country doesn't have to call him again either. Problem solved.

Word.

And FIFA can't do nothing to that.

[Trim]

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says Claude Makelele is being treated as "a slave" by France coach Raymond Domenech.
Domenech has insisted Makelele reports for Euro 2008 qualifiers against Georgia and Italy, despite the midfielder announcing his retirement.

"Makelele is not a football player - Makelele is a slave," said Mourinho.

Fifa rules state Makelele faces a domestic ban if he does not turn up for France and Mourinho added: "We have no chance. The rules are there."

Makelele, 33, came back from retirement to help France qualify for the 2006 World Cup where he was on the losing side to Italy in the final.

"He's played the biggest game you can, the World Cup final, and now wants to retire but the coach told us if he is not playing for France, he is not playing for Chelsea," said Mourinho.

"We know the rules. You are a slave, you have no human rights."

WOW.

[kennethlindheim]

Eguavoen going slightly over the top dont you think....the highest level of indiscipline and disrespect would be going on a drink and drugs bender,killing the managers mother whist having ecstacy fuelled sex, then returning to her funeral to tell everyone she went happy and then wanking on her grave...That is the highest level if indiscipline and disrespect.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Exactly, both are little to much alike in the way they play.You need a Crouch up front.He can be available to summer...