Martins Available For Eagles Opener

Obafemi Martins will be available for Nigeria’s opening African Nations Cup game against Egypt on January, team officials have said.

Martins is scheduled to appear before a High Court Judge a day before the match to defend himself on charges of owing GBP300 000 to NVA management.

Team Media Coordinator Idah Peterside told KickOffNigeria.com that discussions had taken place and the Wolfsburg forward would be available.

“I dont want to say too much at this time, but what I can tell you is that we have discussed this, and Martins will be with us for our first game against Egypt,” Peterside said.

Pressed at to whether Martins would fly back immediately after the court appearance, or would skip it altogether, Peterside declined to go into details.

The case was first heard on November 19 last year, when NVA told Judge Richard Seymour QC that the former Newcastle star was ‘constantly overdrawn’ despite earning GBP75 000 a week.

Martins has disputed the claims but missed an earlier court appearance in order to help his new club Wolfsburg play in the UEFA Champions League.

The hearing was then rescheduled for January 11, and the player risks having judgement given against him if he, again, fails to appear before the judge.