08 April 2014

Martins & Taye Taiwo Gives Up On World Cup Hopes

Bursaspor of Turkey defender, Taye Taiwo and Seattle Sounders of USA forward, Obafemi Martins say their chances of earning a recall to the Super Eagles for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil are very slim.

While Taiwo who has made 34 appearances for his Turkish side so far this term is outrightly pessimistic over his chances,Martins,who provided two assists for strike partner Clint Dempsey in his club's 4-4 draw with Portland Timbers at the weekend says he still at sea over their continued snub by coach Stephen Keshi.

"I played at the last World Cup, but this one will be very difficult to be a part of," Taiwo told BBC Sport.


Despite not having made his league debut for Monaco at the time Echiejile was preferred to Taiwo for the Super Eagles most recent friendly against Mexico on 5 March.

The 28-year-old though does not think his name will be on the list.

"I've been out of the set up for over two years so I am rather pessimistic than optimistic this time around.

"Without playing a part they won the African Cup of Nations and qualified for the World Cup, so realistically my chances of making it are very slim."

Taiwo won the last of his 59 caps for Nigeria in a 0-0 Nations Cup qualifying draw to Rwanda in February 2012.

Martins admits he’s not the only one being phased out of Keshi’s squad. “I don’t know anything for now. Some other players don’t know anything, too, because a couple of my teammates, we’re older in the team, and they don’t know as well,” he said. “I want to go to the World Cup — who doesn’t want it? — but the important thing right now is my team. I just want to play here, enjoy myself, try to help the team.”

Martins last played for the Super Eagles in a 1-1 draw against Kenya in a World Cup qualifying match in March 2013.It was his 39th for the Nigeria at full international level.

Since then, Nigeria has played 22 matches, including qualifiers, the FIFA Confederations Cup, African Cup of Nations and two matches against Mexico in the United States. Martins hasn’t even been called into camp.

Martins clinched Nigeria’s qualification for the 2010 World Cup with a goal in qualifying, but he played just 71 minutes as a substitute in South Africa.

While Martins is mum over his international future,Taiwo still hopes for a return to the fold someday.

"I've not retired from the national team, so I will always make myself available for selection," he said.

"I have always said it will be a great honour to represent the country once again.

"The selection is done by the coach [Keshi] and it is his sole responsibility to decide who is good enough to make the squad.

"The key to the future is to keep doing well with my club and hope for better days.

"As a young player I was given my debut, so I can't completely rule out a happy ending to my international career."

Taiwo made his debut for Nigeria in 2004 and played at the 2006, 2008 and 2010 Nations Cup.
He has enjoyed professional stints in France, Italy, England, Ukraine and Turkey.

No comments: