I never said I’ve retired from international football – Obafemi Martins

Obafemi Martins

Experienced Nigerian striker, Obafemi Martins, is still open to playing for the Super Eagles if invited by head coach, Gernot Rohr.

Martins, 32, is Nigeria fifth top scorer in history with 18 goals in 40 appearances.

But the forward hasn’t featured for his country in almost three years prompting reports of his retirement from international football.

The forward insists he is still capable of delivering for his country despite the fact that he plies his trade in the Chinese Super League (CSL).

“I never said am through with international football. If the new coach of Nigeria Gernot Rohr needs me, I will gladly honour his call. I am fitter than ever,” Martins was quoted as saying by OwngoalNigeria.

“You have to respect the quality of the young players who are coming through with the national team; they deserve to be given their chance in the team.

“Playing in China is way higher than in the past, we now have top model professionals in the league, so it’s no longer a case of if you go to China – you are winding down your career.”

Martins is teammate with Argentine forward, Carlos Tevez, at Shanghai Shenhua.

Aside the Chinese club, the left-footed star has featured for Inter Milan, Newcastle, Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan, Birmingham, Levante and Seattle Sounders.

The Super Eagles are currently top of their group for the race to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.