Martins and Ogbeche ‘more than deserve’ Nigeria recall, insists Chukwu

Seattle Sounders’ Obafemi Martins and FC Cambuur forward Bartholomew Ogbeche deserve a recall to the Nigeria squad, according to a former Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu.

30-year-old Martins announced his retirement from international football in December 2014 following his inability to get an invite to the national team under former coach Stephen Keshi, while Ogbeche who has scored four goals in his last two games for his Dutch club fizzled out of the national team after the 2002 Fifa World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

According to Goal, both have been in good scoring form for their clubs lately and Chukwu believes their superlative form should not be ignored by coach Sunday Oliseh as they will solve the attacking worries of the Super Eagles.

“Everything depends on the head coach though I believe that the Super Eagles is for every Nigerian provided they are in a very good shape,” Chukwu told Goal.

“Ogbeche and Martins are in the right form and I feel they should be invited to the national team.

“Both players are tested and boast of experience that can improve the lot of Nigeria during international matches.

“Also, they have the ability to convert  chances that come their way, which is lacking now in the Super Eagles.

“I am not saying that they will last for the entire duration of the game, but one fact is sure, they will make a lasting impact and the younger ones will learn from them.”

He also dismissed the erroneous belief that players over 30 years have passed their prime and should not be considered for national team invitation.

“What is more important here is the shape of the player and current form,” he continued.

“All of us cannot get old at age 30. There are players who have natural strength, stamina and good physique and at over 30, they still play like as if they are under 27 years.

“Age should never be used as a yardstick to invite a player to the senior national team.

“It is more profitable to invite a player over 30 who will deliver than banking on strikers who are below their age and would misfire. I think Ogbeche and Martins deserve a recall,” he concluded.

Nigeria will play international friendly matches against Congo and Cameroon next month in Belgium.

 

Posted by Janice Johnson