Ex Super Eagles player Ifeanyi Udeze has made a controversial call for veteran striker Obafemi Martins’ return to the team ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The 33-year-old Martins has 41 caps for Nigeria and last appeared in the colors of the team in the world cup second round qualifiers against Swaziland.
Udeze insists the Shanghai Shenhua striker is the best option as back up to Odion Ighalo – both of whom play in the Chinese Super League.
Changchun Yatai’s Ighalo was the Super Eagles first choice striker, spearheading the team’s campaign through the qualifiers.
In the final qualifying match against Algeria, Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr opted for Hapoel Be’er Sheva forward Anthony Nwakaeme.
The 28-year-old did not impress much in his 71 minutes audition and it is that lack of threat to defences that Udeze believes Martins can bring again to the team at the World Cup.
‘Martins is my option for second choice behind Ighalo and I believe he should be called up.
‘He has the experience of playing at the World Cup level and his recent form is hot. Martins is Super hot right now and you can’t be shy about admitting that fact.
‘A player who scores important goals and recently contributed to the FA Cup victory in China is one you want to consider when the debate comes up,’ Udeze quipped.
