Post by Taxigirl on Jan 4, 2004 11:00:25 GMT
Obafemi Martins has decided not to take part in the African Nations Cup so that he can help Inter challenge for the Scudetto.
“At this moment of my career,” explained the promising teenager, “I only want to think about my club.”
Martins is nominated for the African Player of the Year award and has been called up by Nigeria for the tournament set to start on Jan 24.
“Taking part in the African Nations Cup right now could damage my career, as I cannot afford to leave Inter behind for five weeks.”
Martins, nicknamed ‘Oba Oba’ by the Nerazzurri faithful, has exploded on to the European scene in the last year.
Drafted in from the youth team due to an injury crisis, his goals proved decisive in taking them to the Champions’ League semi-final last season.
He is now challenging for a spot in the first team along with Christian Vieri, Julio Cruz and Alvaro Recoba.
However, with reports that Adriano is set to return from Parma in January, Martins could find himself pushed further down the ranks.