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Striker Obafemi Martins says he is committed to playing for Nigeria.
The 23-year-old has been recalled to Nigeria’s squad for their upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifier in Mozambique. Local media raised questions about the injuries that saw the Newcastle United player miss the first round of 2010 qualifiers
“It’s unfortunate what has been said about me, but my commitment towards the national team has never wavered and the people close to me know that,” he said.
Martins last played for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana last year.
“I feel excited to be back in the national team fold,” Martins told BBC Sport.
“I have not been lucky with injuries and missed the international games due to such setbacks.
“Hopefully I can contribute a lot towards making it to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, because all the players want to be there to fulfil a big dream.”
Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu has also recalled Chelsea midfielder Jon Mikel Obi, who missed the last two games of the qualifiers following an agreement between his club and the Nigerian manager.
Meanwhile, Amodu has hit out at the Nigerian media after he was criticised for leaving out Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu.
“I have nothing against Etuhu but I prefer to stick to players I have worked with and who understand my ideas,” Amodu said.
“Etuhu remains part of our plans but in Mikel and Sani Kaita, I have two players who are capable of doing the holding-midfield job.
“The devil you know is quite better than the angel you don’t know. For now I will make do with the players I’m familiar with.”
Nigeria squad:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Austin Ejide (Bastia, France), Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei-Yehuda, Israel)
Defenders: Yusuf Mohammed, Obinna Nwaneri (both FC Sion, Switzerland), Onyekachi Apam (Nice, France), Taye Taiwo (Marseille, France), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Danny Shittu (Bolton, England), Dele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam, Holland)
Midfielders: Oluwafemi Ajilore (Groningen, Holland), Jon Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), Sani Kaita (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Kalu Uche (Almeria, Spain)
Strikers: Ikechukwu Uche (Getafe, Spain), Obafemi Martins (Newcastle United, England), Chinedu Obasi (Hoffenheim, Germany), Obinna Nsofor (Inter Milan, Italy), Joseph Akpala (Club Brugge, Belgium), Osaze Odemwingie (Locomotive Moscow, Russia)
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