Obafemi Martins last suited up for Nigeria on March 13, 2013, shortly after signing with the Seattle Sounders. In fact, he’s only made two appearances for the Super Eagles since 2010. Most notably, Nigeria head coach Stephen Keshi refused to call in Martins for the 2014 World Cup.
The reason? Martins seems to think it was mostly personal issue with Nigeria manager Stephen Keshi, who took over the team in late 2011.
“I don’t think he likes me, that’s all,” Martins recently told Nigerian media. “I don’t have any issues with him. I respect him as a coach but I think Keshi doesn’t like me.”
That seems at least a reasonable conclusion as Martins is coming off a year in which he scored 17 goals, added 13 assists, was one of three finalists for MVP and helped lead the Sounders to their most successful MLS season.
Keshi, it should be noted, is currently out of contract with the Nigerian Football Association and his future is not entirely clear.
If Keshi is ultimately not renewed, though, it could mean Martins still has an international future.
