Oba goes AWOL - again
Nigeria are demanding an explanation from Obafemi Martins after the
Newcastle striker went AWOL for the third time in three
months.
Super Eagles boss Berti Vogts is preparing his team for an African
Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda on Saturday with a training
camp in Nairobi.
Martins had been expected to join up with Vogts's side but has
instead been sighted in the Nigerian capital of Lagos.
It is not the first time Martins has gone absent without leave - in
February, Martins missed a friendly match for Nigeria at Griffin
Park and then, in May, Newcastle's last match of the season at
Watford.
"We organised a friendly match mainly for the England-based players
and the local players to keep them in shape as their league ended
early," Vogts told the Daily Express.
"But for two or three weeks Martins has not played football and he
is not here.
"Can you ask him why he has been seen in Lagos and has not reported
to camp?
"We know Fifa rules say players should be in camp five days before
a match, but this is a player that has been released by his club
and he has been in Lagos when he should be in camp."
Newcastle have reportedly given the player permission to undergo an
injury treatment outside of the North West but Vogts is seeking
assurances from The Magpies.
"We don't know what Newcastle are doing about the injury, or for
that matter how much they know about it," concluded
Vogts.
