Obafemi Martins favoured by Super Eagles

                                                            
Seattle Sounders’ Obafemi Martins has been recalled by coach Sunday Oliseh to the Nigeria side that will play next month’s double World Cup qualifying matches against Swaziland.

The 31-year-old had been out of the Super Eagles since 2013 when he played in a World Cup qualifier under Stephen Keshi. He had talked about retiring from the national side after being ignored by the former coach who he claimed did not like him.

The Sounders striker has been in impressive form this year scoring 15 goals in Major League Soccer (MLS) so far. He made his Nigeria debut more than a decade ago and has 18 goals in 39 appearances.

Oliseh announced his squad of 23 invitees for the double-header against Swaziland on Thursday afternoon with the inclusion of several young players that include Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi, Feirense goalkeeper Dele Alampasu and Genk midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Dele Alampasu (Club de Sportivo Feirense, Portugal)

Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Kalu Orji (Enugu Rangers); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz, Germany); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Wilfred Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium); Sylvester Igbonu (FC UFA, Russia)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders, USA)