With doubts over the release of Newcastle United striker, Shola Ameobi for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi is reportedly considering send late invitation to Levante forward, Obafemi Martins.
A top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday revealed that the name of the former Inter Milan weapon of match destruction popped up as a possible replacement for Ameobi, who has been ruled out of the tournament by Newcastle manager, Alan Pardew.
“I can tell you one-on-one not as a board member of the football federation that Obafemi Martins is being considered to replace Shola Ameobi. The coach (Keshi) has spoken about him as he doesn’t want the distraction of Ameobi, who is yet to decide whether he will be part of the Nations Cup or not.
“But we will still push our case before Fifa because we have the rights to have our players in the squad to a major championship like the Nations Cup which the world soccer governing body recognises. In the event of Ameobi not turning up, the coach will look at other options and Obafemi (Martins) is top on that list,” NFF official supersport.com
Ameobi is reported to have a clause in his contract that could stop him from taking part at the Nations Cup in South Africa next year.