The Super Eagles attacker Obafemi Martins has reacted to his recent recall to the national team after two years absence.
Speaking to BBC sports, Martins revealed it was a bit of shock after he got coach Oliseh’s invite.
He said: “It was a bit of a shock, but a nice shock. I’m very happy, because I have always worked hard, supported and respected all the players picked by the coaches.
“I thank coach Oliseh for this great opportunity. I’m just looking forward to going out there and playing for Nigeria again.”
However in an interview with Completesportnigeria.com, Oliseh disclosed that Obafemi Martins must earn his place in the starting line-up of the team.
He said: “Martins will offer us some other qualities in attack but first he must earn his place in the team.”
Oliseh also spoke about the home-based Eagles and expressed his delight with their qualification for next year’s African Nations Championship in Rwanda.
He said: “I was so impressed with the team’s play in the first leg and though I was not with the team in the second leg, I was told they did brilliantly considering the hostility.”
Martins has scored 15 goals this season for his Major League Soccer team Seattle Sounders. Following the retirement of Emmanuel Emenike, Oliseh extended an invitation to the former Inter Milan and Newcastle man.
He reportedly called it quits with the Super Eagles last year but the report has since been denied by his representatives who insist he was quoted out of context.
The goal poacher last played for the Super Eagles against Kenya in a 2014 World Cup qualifying match.
Martins has scored 18 goals in the 39 games he has featured in for the Super Eagles.
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