Martins will be back for Nations Cup

Nigeria's striker Obafemi Martins has assured his countrymen of his services as the nation prepares to play in the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

The Wolfsburg striker who recently underwent surgery on his troubled shin says he is well on his way to recovering in time for Nigeria's preparations for the continental tournament.

"Let me first assure Nigerians that I will be very fit for the Nations Cup" Martins told Complete Sports in an interview.

"The operation went very well and I am happy to report that I have started doing some stuff with the bike. I believe in about [ten] days from now I should be back on the field to commence full training."

Martins, popularly referred to as the Weapon of Mass Destruction by his countrymen said he looks forward to a very interesting tournament in Angola in January.

"I am happy too that I will have an opportunity to play for my country at the Nations Cup again. I was there in 2008 in Ghana but the experience wasn't a good one. I hope we can do better than we did in Ghana this time around in Angola."

Martins also commented on Nigeria's draw in the World Cup where the Super Eagles have been grouped alongside two-time former champions Argentina, former European champions Greece and two-time Asian champions South Korea.

"I think it is a good draw for us. The Super Eagles are a big team and should think and act as such. We already know it won't be a stroll in the park for us in South Africa and this should determine the kind of preparation we make for the championships.

"This is better than drawing teams we feel we can run over easily and (then) fail to prepare adequately. In Argentina we know we will be playing against a former world champion while Greece were also once champions of Europe.

"South Korea are no pushovers too. I still remember what they did in 2002 when they co-hosted the FIFA World Cup with Japan. I think they went as far as the semi-final which means they have the experience at that level as well."

In conclusion, Martins who scored two goals in the 3-2 win over Kenya that saw the Eagles qualify for the World Cup said, "I am always ready to help my country and Nigerians should give us the support we will need to succeed in Angola."

Daily Trust

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