Obafemi Maritins arrived in Calabar yesterday afternoon ready for any role Nigeria has for him.
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Martins said "he was thrilled to be back in Nigeria and was ready for any role the African Champion needed him to play - both on or off the field".
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He was just as excited with the recent move he made to the MSL in the US where he joined the Seattle Sounders.
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Martins, 28, played 12 seasons in Europe's top leagues, most recently with Levante of Spain's La Liga. He played five years with Inter Milan of Italy's Serie A and three with Newcastle United of the English Premier League.
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He scored 49 goals in 135 competitions with Inter, helping the club to four major championships including the Serie A title in 2005-06. At Newcastle, he scored 35 goals in 104 competitions. He also had his highest-scoring season there in 2006-07 with 17 goals — 11 in the EPL and six in UEFA Champions League.
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Ironically Martins had one of his biggest games for Nigeria against Kenya in Nairobi where his last gasp goal in the 83rd minute against Kenya ensured Nigeria's qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with a 3-2 win.
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Nigeria takes the field on Saturday against the Harambee Stars who expected to arrive in Calabar on Wednesday.
Since Obafemi Martins is playing we might not really miss Emmanuel Emenike. Calabar will feel the heat when the match kick off