Keshi slams door on Martins, others

Spain-based striker Obafemi Martins will not get a late recall to the Eagles, contrary to speculations in the media.

“Coach Stephen Keshi has made it clear that he will not call up any new player as he has enough options to choose from for the Nations Cup,” disclosed Eagles spokesman Ben Alaiya from the team’s training camp in Faro, Portugal.

Obafemi Martins

Levante striker martins Martins was one of the top stars left out by Nigeria in the preliminary list for a pre-Africa Cup of Nations training camp in Portugal.

England-based defender Danny Shittu has opted out of the squad and there are still doubts over the availability of Newcastle United striker, Shola Ameobi.

“There is no word from Ameobi yet and Keshi has said he cannot force any player to feature for the country. But he is still waiting to hear from Ameobi on his position and then he will take it from there,” said Alaiya.

Meanwhile, 20 players are already in Faro – nine overseas-based pros and 11 from the Nigeria Premier League. Turkey-based striker Uche Kalu was the last arrival.

Camp sources say US-based striker Bright Dike has been terrific in training as battle for places in the final AFCON squad has stepped up.