Former Nigerian international Etim Esin has suggested that Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins might lose his position in the National team.
Oba Martins - keeps missing games with Nigeria - so what?
Esin is accusing Martins have not having a good attitude towards playing for the Nigerian national side.
Oba pulled out of a friendly game against Austria in Graz last month to attend his friend’s wedding.
He again ruled himself out of this month’s 2010 Nations Cup/World Cup Qualifier, because of a bone fide ankle injury.
But Nigeria won their two previous qualifying matches without Oba and Etim believes the Newcastle striker will have to fight to back into the team.
Etim said:
“Somebody should talk to Martins and tell him to knuckle down,”
“How can a national team player prefer a wedding to a match for his country? Is the wedding bigger than the nation?”
“There are a lot of young players coming up and Martins should know the national team will not wait for him forever.”
“Look at what Uche (Ikechukwu) is doing and then there are still Victor Anichebe, Obinna Nsofor and others waiting for their chance.”
“I like Martins as a player, but he is not indispensable and Amodu might also be thinking along that line.”
“The coach knows what to do and if he decides that Martins is no longer in his plans, nobody should blame him.”
“I hope Martins won’t come back to say Amodu hates him if the coach insists in the future that he has to wait in line before getting another chance.”
“He just has to sit up and change his attitude; Nigeria is too big to be held to ransom by one player.”
We hate to be so straight forward here, but perhaps Oba doesn’t want to play all the time for his country.
He certainly hasn’t gone out of his way over the last couple of years, and put himself out to play for them, that’s fairly obvious.
As a Newcastle supporter, that doesn’t worry us at all, and yes, we are being selfish about it, and we wouldn’t expect Nigerian fans to agree with us.
But Newcastle pay his vast wages, and his first responsibility has to be to his club - period.
In today’s world of football these guys need a break, for their own good, during the summer, and it’s very hard to get it with all the club and international games being played these days.
And we certainly don’t blame Martins for not playing for his country while injured.
Far too many club players have done that in the past, and come back to their clubs crocked. Newcastle have suffered more than most in that regard.
That is not the way to go, and they should be very wary of playing at all, if they have any kind of injury.
And if they then get criticized for not playing for their country - so be it.
Comments very welcome.
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134 responses so far ↓
1 Tom4Nufc // Jun 13, 2008 at 18:17
He is a w@nker, Oba can do what he wants aslong as he plays for us,
Oba= L.A.D
2 chris_toon // Jun 13, 2008 at 18:19
i would prefer him not to play for his country to be honest that way he can can concentrate on newcastle united and performing his best for us if they got that many players that can replace him he won’t be missed will he lol
3 geordiegraham // Jun 13, 2008 at 18:45
well if this is true he betta not show his face in nigeria they will try 2 shoot him again. i’d rather he wudnt play 4 them
4 Steeley // Jun 13, 2008 at 18:46
It’s long been rumoured that he doesnt want to play for his country any more following the death threats he and his family received about 2 years ago.
I dont blame the lad - his country is full of knife-wielding lunatics who would stab you as soon as look at you! If I was him I would never want to go there again - especially now that he has moved his family over here.
Anyway - injury/friends wedding/washing his hair are the lame excuses he has to use for not playing….and I think he would perfectly happy if the bloody coach took the hint and stopped selecting him!
5 Davies // Jun 13, 2008 at 18:51
I took an extra couple of days off to go to a mate’s stag do. My boss was alright about it.
6 Gateshead Mag. // Jun 13, 2008 at 18:57
A marriage is alot more important than playing in an international football match imo.
7 The Entertainers // Jun 13, 2008 at 18:57
Lets be honest Oba has picked and chosen his games he plays in for Nigeria.
But do we care, not one bit.
Oba might in a couple of years time though when Nigeria are playing in South Africa and he is’nt!
8 toonoholic // Jun 13, 2008 at 19:06
has anyone observed how fulham have been super busy buying players already ?
9 beye the great // Jun 13, 2008 at 19:22
yeah fullham have been busy i expect them to sign solano next as well and this is quite strange cos martins has a brilliant attitude for us i guess its maybe not a surprise though when he left last summer he nearly died
10 ToonKing // Jun 13, 2008 at 19:38
good, hope Oba never plays a national game again.
11 ende // Jun 13, 2008 at 19:52
good for fulham. off topic.
12 tapir // Jun 13, 2008 at 19:53
remind me of somebody name owen..hmmmmmmm
by the way,france is a joke
go out faster and GOmis is ours by next week
wuhooooo
13 brad // Jun 13, 2008 at 19:57
talksport have announced that keegan has quit over lack of funds!!!!
14 tapir // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:03
brad
link please
15 brad // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:04
flatmate said it was on radio
16 stumpofthetoon // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:05
i cant see that on talk sport like at all
17 Bill F SPLASH THE CASH ASH // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:06
Brad, you are trying to wind us up mate, if this were true it would be all over the newsnow site like a plague.
18 brad // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:06
cant find anything on newsnow either
19 stumpofthetoon // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:06
wot ever dont say shit like that
20 tapir // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:07
nah,wait till it is in front page of NOTW or anal oliver column
then its true!
21 brad // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:15
skysports. everton agree fee for arda turan 10mill!!
22 Bill F SPLASH THE CASH ASH // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:17
I was going to say that refusing to play for your country was displaying lack of moral fibre but in view of the earlier comments re. the death threats etc. I would have to agree that discretion is the better part of valour and that I don’t blame him.
23 tapir // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:18
when will KK be back?
or is he back to the circus?
24 Bill F SPLASH THE CASH ASH // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:18
Brad keep trying I’m sure you will find a kite that will fly.
25 tapir // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:20
ya brad,nice try
try check echo
might be Keano back to old trafford for SAF assistant by now????
26 oga // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:21
Well I’m a fan of both.
Oba never really wanted to play for Nigeria. Thats a disgraceful attitude to be honest. It is your duty to serve your country. Its also nice to watch players from your club performing in tournaments such as the world cup.
If he messes up his chances he will regret it.
27 brad // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:27
vdv,henry,riberry,and kuyt are all playing well tonight. maybe we could sign them all and we would be the best team in the world after tottenham hotspur. i am sure they would come to us cos we are ther best fans in the country .keegan the master tactician and motivater could get the best out of them. we wouldnt have to pay them to much as they would want to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world and they would be idolised by the fans. It doesnt matter that we have never won anything in my lifetime because you cant live in the past, we want to make hstory.
28 oga // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:27
Steely you’re an ignorant mug. When have you been to his country to make such blunt statement?
29 JC // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:27
Does anyone else think that boulahrouz would be a good buy?
30 Petworth (DC) Mag // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:39
Funny story, I was just speaking with a Nigerian client who wants me to come over and lead a one-day workshop on usability.
He was curious as to my experience working in Africa. I told him that I had spent time in Malawi conducting research but that I had never been to Nigeria. I then followed with “but I am a big fan of Obafemi Martins!” He immediately became excited and said, “Ah, it that case you are already welcome in Nigeria, you know all that you need to know as Oba is a legend here.”
Seems the countrymen aren’t as bothered as the Nigerian FA.
Oba is a Georide!
31 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:56
Steeley@4 - “I dont blame the lad - his country is full of knife-wielding lunatics who would stab you as soon as look at you!”
You talkin ’bout Oba or Owen?
32 matt // Jun 13, 2008 at 20:59
he’d do well. he’s got henry in his pocket
33 Petworth (DC) Mag // Jun 13, 2008 at 21:00
nice1 noot
34 Leo // Jun 13, 2008 at 21:10
i would say he has every right to not want to play for his country, he is a geordie and wants to give his all to the club
what a bloke i say
plus with the threats and him nearly being killed i would say he is fair to give any of those reasons not to play
35 GSfan // Jun 13, 2008 at 21:13
Gawd, what a weird situation. There’s the chance that both the world cup finalists won’t even make it past the group phase of the Euro cups now!
36 Yorkie Dave // Jun 13, 2008 at 21:17
Gomis doesnt look that special tonight but Holland as a team are looking on fire
37 grey man // Jun 13, 2008 at 21:39
Gomis is a flat footed plug who,s work rate is non existant. Let’s buy him!
38 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 21:45
Gomis did not look interested when he came on, that might be down to lack of experence. But he does not look like he is worth the money St Ettienne want for him
39 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 21:47
Holland will win this tournement if they keep playing like that. They were fantastic tonight
40 Gateshead Mag. // Jun 13, 2008 at 21:51
Holland we’re absolutely awesome tonight!
41 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 21:54
Snijder is class
42 Gateshead Mag. // Jun 13, 2008 at 21:54
Made my mind up on Gomis. He’s pap.
43 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 21:55
How much do they want for him?
44 The Entertainers // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:00
Never judge a player on big tournaments, there are loads who looked world beaters and have flopped…..Diouf anyone?
Gomis has performed very well in the league last year and a poor display in the Euros may well enhance our chances of securing him.
Lets face it not many French players showered themselves in glory the past two games and there are more than one or two i would take from that team
45 Gateshead Mag. // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:00
15 million i think
46 Gateshead Mag. // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:02
Good point
47 scotty // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:04
*** breaking news ***
oba martins’s would be asassin has been identified as shola ameobi…..
a source said,”he’s the only person who could have that many shots and still miss”.
48 Gateshead Mag. // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:05
I hope Newcastle keep Milner and Owen mind.
49 Gateshead Mag. // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:06
Aye good stuff. Question Lads.. Owen or Martins?
Zigic or Crouch?
For me Crouch and Owen.
50 Gateshead Mag. // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:06
Aye good stuff. Question Lads.. Owen or Martins?
Zigic or Crouch?
For me Crouch and Owen.
51 Rafael Van Der Vaart // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:06
Obafemi doesn’t have to play every game for Nigeria but I am sure if he said I am withdrawing from the squad it would be less of a problem. Or he could retire from international football.
52 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:07
I reacon 15 mil is FAR to high, if we can get him for 5-6 then ok, but there are better players than him
53 scotty // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:09
beefatimbi gomis looked a bit lardy for my liking……
54 Tom_Toon // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:11
What did i say about Gomis when you lot all wanted him when they wanted 17mil!
I said 8mil max, now it is justified.
55 Gateshead Mag. // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:11
Thierry Henry £16 million.
Bafetembi Gomis £ 15 million.
I don’t think so.
56 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:14
You were spot on there like TT, 17 mil is a joke.
5 mil tops for Gomis judgeing on that performance
57 hATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:14
just got in so france got stuffed how did van der vaart do?
58 scotty // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:16
sorry ronaldeano, but he can’t be judged overall on that performance - the dutch were awesome and i well fancy them to win it!
59 ToonKing // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:17
holland were impressive…but they won’t win it though, they were lucky so far, Van Basten’s goofy tactics will backfire sooner or later.
PS: anyone fancy a healthy sum of money on Holland-Romania being a draw ??
60 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:17
VDV, fed some lovely through balls to the strikers. He is a class act. Its a long shot but i hope we sign him
61 geordie genius // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:20
HOLLAND WHAT A TEAM SIGN THEM UP ASH. I HAVE THEM AT 14-1 for the cup.HAD KUYT 12-1 1ST GOAL I AM A HAPPY GENIUS.I WILL NOT TELL ANYONE TO P–S OFF TONIGHT. EVEN TOM TOON! JUST JOKING TOM I KNOW YOU GET UPSET EASILY. YEAH LADS CALM DOON ON GOMIS VERY RAW AND AS TT SAYS 8MILL TOPS.
RONALDEANO HOWS IT HANGING? now see you later I am away to the fridge-not wor lass, the fridge for a beer.
62 Tom_Toon // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:21
The top 4 teams so far are:
Portugal
Holland
Spain
Croatia
63 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:22
@Scotty, i think it was lack of experence and confidence as he is young, but i dont think he is worth massive money yet, he needs to prove that he is worth massive money
64 hATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:22
hope we land our main targets such as turan, bit unsure what ive read about gomis but as the entertainers has pointed out he has played well for in the league and did score two goals at the beginning of euros? would love VDV!!
65 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:23
GG, short, shrivelld and always to the left mate
66 ToonKing // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:23
yeah that’s pretty obvious Tom_Toon. the other teams are a class below.
i’m with Portugal though, if Ronaldo gets more involved and if Nuno Gomes or Almeida find some kind of form…they’ll win it. ….oh and if by some miracle Ricardo manages to become a goalkeeper.
If Portugal had a decent striker and goallie they would be able to win the World Cup.
67 scotty // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:27
aye 10 mil would be generous to be honest.
68 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:27
Ronaldeamo, there’s nee need te tark aboot Owen like that!
69 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:28
Just hope the reason behind no signings is all our targets are in the Euros!! and Ashley spends a few quid? NO doubt we’ll hear in about two weeks are so!!
70 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:30
LOL
71 geordie genius // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:32
RONALDEANO - I KNEW WE MUST BE BROTHERS! CLASS TOONOOT -CLASS.
72 daiv // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:34
We are selling, selling, selling. Tiny squad. When are we going to buy anybody and preferably quality. MA is tight and a con man in NUFC shirt. Wake up everybody. Sure, he’ll buy somebody but not what we want. Sell up MA and let somebody come in who wants to make this great club great again. I’ve had enough of smart business people looking out for themselves. I’ve had enough of patience after watching this club win nothing domestically for FIFTY THREE years.
73 Tom_Toon // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:34
ToonKing - We have a good goalie but he fractured his wrist (Quim) and a great young goalie (Rui Patricio) who is better than Ricardo but Scolari wont risk.
Almeida is 100000000000000000000000x better than Nuno Gomes. Nuno Gomes looks like a centre midfielder put upfront.
74 ToonTimbo // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:35
Sorry to burst everyones bubble but i read on goal.com that whenever Ronaldinho moves, (maybe this summer) from Barce, they will sign VDV to replace him.
75 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:35
Anyone reacon Mutu would do well for us?
if he keeps off the charlie!
76 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:37
goal.com is full of shite!
77 scotty // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:37
geordie genius - is your keyboard bust or what?
78 ToonTimbo // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:41
oh sorry ronaldeano!! i suppose goal.com is just there to wind up newcastle fans isnt it!! hardly!! all im saying is that bigger clubs have been linked to him as have we!! just passing on a bit info i heard!
79 daiv // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:42
This is a NUFC blog. Nothing else matters. Who cares who wins Euro. Not on the radar. You are NUFC supporters aren’t you?
80 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:44
WE will sign VDV lads!
81 scotty // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:45
Daiv - we are merely trying to keep our sanity due to the inactivity at St. James Park.
82 ToonTimbo // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:46
So daiv, Who d ya recon will will the Euro’s?
83 Neville Brewis // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:46
Ronaldeano are you talking about me? I indeed am short- 90 years old -and after my stroke lean to the left somewhat. My wife used to call me gg some 50 years ago.
I think we should sign the young fellow Va nistelrooy, he was good. Does any one know anything about him? He could play up front with Bobby Shinton with Gavin Peacock in the hole. What does anyone think?
84 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:46
daiv man - just read the comical. You love anal oliver you do don’t you?
85 ToonKing // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:47
we are NUFC supporters first and football supporters second….at least i am, and i very much care who wins the Euro.
86 geordie genius // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:48
DO YOU MEAN WITH THE CAPS LOCK SCOTTY?
87 ToonKing // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:49
i know Tom_Toon, although i have to admit Nuno Gomes was pretty decent in the first game.
If i was manager
i’d put Ronaldo up front and bring on Quaresma on the wing, now that would be a team right there.
88 scotty // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:50
bingo!!!
89 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:50
GG: Klingons on the starboard bow
90 geordiekk // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:53
according to the daily mail we are after kapo now
91 Tom_Toon // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:53
Patricio
Bosingwa-Pepe-Carvalho-Miguel
Moutinho-Petit-Deco
Ronaldo-Almeida-Simao
92 geordie genius // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:54
SCOTTY THE BAIRN KNACKED ME GLASSES MATE .14 MONTHS OLD HE IS AND HE MANGLED THEM.HE IS ANGRY LIKE ME. I STRUGGLE TO READ THE SMALL WRITING. I HAVE A MAGNIFIYING GLASS LIKE NEVILLE BREWIS TO READ THE COMMENTS. UNTIL I GET ME NEW ONES OFF GLASSES DIRECT.
93 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:54
Boycott the mail aswell as the sun!
94 geordie genius // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:55
TOONOOT YOU ARE BURNING TONIGHT MATE!
95 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:56
My bairn smashed me shades today, i dont look as cool anymore!
96 scotty // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:58
geordie genius - what do you do when you want a 5 knuckle shuffle then?
Oh, that’s right, you have a magnifying glass… LOL!!!
97 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 22:59
I’m having trouble with my testicles as well
98 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:00
Spectacles. Specatacles. I keep getting them mixed up.
99 Neville Brewis // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:00
Ronaldeano I read the mail and it went up 10p 3 weeks ago. Representing a fiscal rise of 11.3%, I used to get the Today, but my newsagent will not get it for me anymore. What should I be reading then, please tell me. Neville.
100 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:02
@toonoot, if its crabs you have down there, best way to get rid of them is a handfull of sand and a shot of whiskey.
They all get pissed and throw rocks at each other! Works every time for me!
101 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:02
Nev: Don’t read Today what you can pull off tomorrow (Sunday Sport)
102 geordie genius // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:02
SCOTTY HAVE YOU BEEN WATCHING ME!
103 ronaldeano // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:03
Neville, read war and peace mate! or the sport!
Im off now lads, wor lass is gagging for it!
104 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:04
Rono: And here’s me thought there was no sanity claws
105 Neville Brewis // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:04
Thank you toonoot, my grandaughter says that is really funny.
106 Rafael Van Der Vaart // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:04
interesting what does that have to do with newcastle or anything football related toonoot
107 Tom_Toon // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:05
Looks like we’ve got Boro at home first game of the season!
108 geordie genius // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:06
RONALDEANO HAVE A GOOD ONE MATE! IF ITS LIKE MINE IT WILL BE AN ANGRY SOD WHEN ITS VEXED.
109 scotty // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:06
lmao at these drunken posts!!!
110 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:07
Hertz Van Rental. ditto
111 Rafael Van Der Vaart // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:07
where is the nutter who said turan was going to everton or liverool? it hasnt happened yet
112 Neville Brewis // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:07
Thank you Ronaldeano I will collect that one at 05.30 tomorrow.
113 scotty // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:12
i’m still not grasping this turan hysteria!!! haven’t seen anything special from him….
114 geordiekk // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:12
i heard we play lpool away first game
115 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:13
Scotty: Nor me. It’s shrouded in mystery
116 Neville Brewis // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:18
My sources tell me we have Bishop Auckland first up.
117 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:20
I knew him when he was just a humble priest
118 geordie genius // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:22
TOONOOT WHAT YOU ON MATE! HA HA POOR OWLD NEV.
119 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:23
115: Whoosh……!?
120 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:24
Time to start snorting the curry powder
121 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:25
Ah’ve just come oot of a kurma
122 Neville Brewis // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:27
That was funny toonoot, this is what made Geordies great. My great grandson is also very funny-apparently. I don’t understand but everyone laughs. I hope its true that the lad Olic has signed he reminds me of a young john Tudor.
123 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:29
Like him. Hated his crisps
124 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:30
Especially that little blue one. Yeuch!
125 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:31
My step ladder is very funny Nev
126 Neville Brewis // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:32
Geordie Genius what do you mean? My Bessie thinks you always make fun of me. I hope not son, you are the easiest one to read.
127 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:33
Nev: Any relation to Owen Brewis?
128 Neville Brewis // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:37
Ha toonoot you are a funny young man. You are also the only one to respond to me after 7 months. I bought a new Pentium 1 computer last week, now it has been worth it, thank you. Now I must go to bed as I will be up at 1,3 and 5 tomorrow with the bladder.
129 Neville Brewis // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:37
No who is Owen Brewis?
130 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:40
Good night Nev. And goodnight to children everywhere.
131 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:41
Nev? He mixes hops, barley, water and yeast …. and makes his ……
132 Neville Brewis // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:41
Goodnight young toonoot, heartfelt sentiments enjoy the blow.
133 toonoot // Jun 13, 2008 at 23:42
…. Owen Brewis
134 deano // Jun 14, 2008 at 10:15
D JONG LOOKS A GOOD PLAYER IN CM
LETS WAK A BID IN FOR HIM
?
WHAT DO U THINK
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