Obafemi Martins Hopes His Son Will Represent Nigeria

Former Super Eagles star Obafemi Martins, popularly known as “Obagoal,” has expressed his heartfelt desire for his son, Kevin Maussi Martins, to play for Nigeria. Speaking at an event in Marrakech, the ex-Inter Milan striker reminisced about Nigeria’s football glory days and highlighted his pride in his son’s potential.

Reflecting on the past, Martins said, “When I played for Nigeria, we had so many strikers who scored goals. We played as a team.” He mentioned iconic players such as Mikel Obi, Taye Taiwo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Julius Aghahowa, and Peter Odemwingie as part of that era.

Kevin, born in Milan in 2005, is already making strides in football. Currently with Monza, he recently made his senior debut in a Coppa Italia match, providing an assist and showcasing his talent. Eligible to represent Nigeria, Italy, or Ghana, Kevin’s international future remains undecided, but his father’s passion for donning the green and white of Nigeria is evident.

Martins concluded by saying, “Hopefully, my son represents Nigeria. He’s half Nigerian,” resonating with fans who share his aspiration.

Editorial

Obafemi Martins’ appeal for his son Kevin to represent Nigeria highlights the emotional connection and pride that comes with representing one’s homeland. It also underscores a broader narrative of identity and allegiance in football, especially for players with multicultural backgrounds.

Kevin’s potential to follow in his father’s footsteps offers a chance to rejuvenate Nigeria’s football legacy. His debut with Monza and early displays of skill indicate a promising career ahead. However, decisions about national allegiance often involve more than personal or familial ties they are shaped by opportunities, development pathways, and the support systems of national teams.

Nigeria’s football administration should view this as a call to action. By creating a nurturing environment and strong developmental programmes, the Super Eagles can attract and retain talented players like Kevin. With strategic engagement, the Nigerian Football Federation could secure the allegiance of such dual-nationality players, ensuring that the country benefits from their skills.

For fans and aspiring players, the story of Kevin and his father’s aspirations serves as a reminder of the pride and opportunities associated with representing Nigeria. It’s a legacy worth preserving and celebrating.

Did You Know?

1. Obafemi Martins scored 18 goals in 42 appearances for the Super Eagles during his international career.
2. Kevin Maussi Martins, born in Milan, holds eligibility to represent three countries: Nigeria, Italy, and Ghana.
3. Martins is known for his iconic backflip goal celebrations, making him a fan favourite worldwide.
4. Nigeria has a history of dual-nationality players choosing to represent the country, including Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi.
5. Monza, Kevin’s current club, is co-owned by former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and has rapidly risen to prominence in Italian football.