The duo have been in superlative form for their
respective clubsides and the former international feels
they would be valuable assets for the Super Eagles
Seattle Sounders’ Obafemi Martins and FC Cambuur
forward Bartholomew Ogbeche deserve a recall to
the Nigeria squad, according to former Nigeria coach
Christian Chukwu.
30-year-old Martins announced his retirement from
international football in December 2014 following his
inability to get an invite to the country’s national team
under Stephen Keshi, while Ogbeche who has scored four
goals in his last two games for his Dutch outfit fizzled
out of the national team after the 2002 Fifa World Cup
staged in Korea/Japan.
According to Chukwu, their superlative form should
never be ignored by coach Sunday Oliseh as they will
solve the attacking worries of the Super Eagles.
“Everything depends on the head coach though I
believe that the Super Eagles is for every Nigerians
provided they are in a very good shape,” Chukwu told
Goal.
“Ogbeche and Martins are in the right form and I feel
they should be invited to the national team.
“Both players are tested and boast of experience that
can improve the lots of Nigeria during international
matches.
“Also, they have the abilities to convert few chances
that come their way, which is lacking now in the Super
Eagles.
“I am not saying that they will last for the entire
duration of the game, but one fact is sure, they will
make a lasting impact and the younger ones will learn
from them.
He also said dismissed erroneous belief that players over
30 years have passed their prime and not to be
considered for national team invites.
“What is more important here is the shape of the player
and current form,” he continued.
“All of us cannot get old at age 30. There are players
who have natural strength, stamina and good physique
and at over 30, they still play like as if they are under
27 years.
“Age should never be used as a yardstick to invite a
player to the senior national team.
“It is more profitable to invite a player over 30 who will
deliver than banking of strikers who are below their age
and would misfire. I think Ogbeche and Martins deserve
a recall,” he concluded.
No comments:
Post a Comment