27th December, 2015
Taiwo Adelu
Seattle Sounder’s striker, Nigerian Obafemi Martins says he is available for the country at Rio 2016 Olympic Games if so desired by the Chief Coach of the Dream Team VI, Samson Siasia.
The United states-based striker said at the weekend that he would have loved to be one of the three over-aged players in the Nigerian squad, but Coach Siasia has the final say on this.
Nigerian Under 23 coach is yet to name his Olympic squad, nor invite any player outside the age bracket for the Olympic football tournament.
“I love my country and I always want to play for my country anytime. If Siasia calls me to represent Nigeria at the Olympic Games in Brazil, it will be a privilege, I am always free to be part of the team. Siasia is a fantastic coach who led the Dream Team VI to win the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal. I must confess, it is the dream of every player to be part of Olympics,” said Martins.
Meanwhile, the former Inter Milan of Italy star believes that with Sunday Oliseh at the helm of affairs in the senior national team, the Eagles will rule Africa in the New Year.
He backs Oliseh to succeed as Nigeria coach ahead of the qualification for 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Martins, who was recently recalled to the Super Eagles by Chief Coach Oliseh after almost two years, scored 15 goals in the Major League Soccer for Seattle Sounders.
“I am really happy to be part of the new Super Eagles led by Oliseh. He is a world-class coach. He had played the game before to the highest level and is currently putting that into the Eagles now. With the little time I spent with the team under Oliseh I’m sure the Eagles will rule African football in 2016 and qualify for 2017 AFCON and the FIFA World Cup in Russia,” he said.