Jay Jay regrets Martins Absence

kbt · Post by **kbt** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:01 pm

Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha has said that the decision of striker Obafemi Martins not to play at the Nations Cup is a setback to their title ambitions.

The in-form Martins has opted to play for his Italian club Inter Milan, attracting criticism from fans who have questioned his loyalty to the country.

But Okocha told the BBC Sport website he has sympathy with Martins' situation.

"We must accept his decision.

"I won't blame him because we have had this problem [of choosing between club and country].

"For Nigeria, his decision is bad news but it may be his chance to fight for a place in his team.

"When we have gone for previous Nations Cups, many of us have lost our club positions," Okocha recalled.

He might need the national team one day

Jay-Jay Okocha

"But on the other hand, he should realise that he might need the national team one day.

"He should consider the [interests of] of the country as well," Okocha advised.

The midfielder and other England-based players in the Super Eagles were given permission to report to camp after the 6 January deadline set by manager Christian Chukwu for other European-based players.

But the Bolton Wanderers captain said he is yet to have a firm date on when he will leave his club to report for international duty.

"I may have to stay a bit longer and help my team, because we have a small squad unlike other Premiership clubs."

Okocha said he is aware of the discomfort that his absence and that of other England-based players is having on their supporters but insists that their late arrival to camp will not frustrate the Super Eagles title ambitions in Tunisia.

"I don't think that our late arrival will have a negative effect on the team, since we have all been playing and are quite fit.

"We are still one of the favourites and with the talent we've got, we have a chance to win the Cup," Okocha said.

kbt · Post by **kbt** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:06 pm

Well said Captain

Larry Ashagbe · Post by **Larry Ashagbe** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:08 pm

kbt,

Let me contribute to your thread.

Martins lose is bad but life goes on.

Its a Goal · Post by **Its a Goal** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:09 pm

"We are still one of the favourites and with the talent we've got, we have a chance to win the Cup," Okocha said.

Interesting how Oga too feels it's the talent that will win the ANC, nothing else.

Jiggerman21 · Post by **Jiggerman21** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:12 pm

Its a Goal wrote:
"We are still one of the favourites and with the talent we've got, we have a chance to win the Cup," Okocha said.
Interesting how Oga too feels it's the talent that will win the ANC, nothing else.

IAG
the captain has to be positive. He's much more professional than the NFA officials (crooks).

segebaba · Post by **segebaba** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:13 pm

This is what i call a diplomatic statement by a leader. Martins will always be a traitor in my books, and the guy is not all that anyways cos i saw him play against arsenal. Mark my words people he will come back crawling on his knees and we will reject him, send him [packing

Alaafin · Post by **Alaafin** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:16 pm

Its a Goal wrote:
"We are still one of the favourites and with the talent we've got, we have a chance to win the Cup," Okocha said.
Interesting how Oga too feels it's the talent that will win the ANC, nothing else.

Haba, he didn't say nothing else. U'll agree that talent is an important factor.

ufuomsky · Post by **ufuomsky** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:29 pm

This is how a leader should speaker ......the captain has spoken but one of the NFA official is like a spoiled bratt , instead trying to blackmail martin through his age.

ufuomsky · Post by **ufuomsky** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 9:31 pm

This is how a leader should speaks!!! ......the captain has spoken but one of the NFA official is like a spoiled bratt , instead trying to blackmail martin through his age.

Jiggerman21 · Post by **Jiggerman21** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:06 pm

ufuomsky wrote: This is how a leader should speaker
This is how a leader should speaks

Chei, double whammy!!! Shock and Awe!!!

ChristianNo1 · Post by **ChristianNo1** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:11 pm

Jiggerman21 wrote:
ufuomsky wrote: This is how a leader should speaker
This is how a leader should speaks
Chei, double whammy!!! Shock and Awe!!!

What a WMD!

senator · Post by **senator** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:15 pm

ChristianNo1 wrote:
Jiggerman21 wrote:
ufuomsky wrote: This is how a leader should speaker
This is how a leader should speaks
Chei, double whammy!!! Shock and Awe!!!

What a WMD!

ufuomsky · Post by **ufuomsky** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:15 pm

You got me on that one!!!!!! Now slap yourself

Its a Goal · Post by **Its a Goal** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:16 pm

[color=brown]Jiggerman21[/color] wrote:
ufuomsky wrote: This is how a leader should speaker
This is how a leader should speaks
Chei, double whammy!!! Shock and Awe!!!

Kai, nothing goes unnoticed here in CE

.

ufuomsky · Post by **ufuomsky** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:17 pm

eye of eagle is watching

Jiggerman21 · Post by **Jiggerman21** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:18 pm

Its a Goal wrote:
[color=brown]Jiggerman21[/color] wrote:
ufuomsky wrote: This is how a leader should speaker
This is how a leader should speaks
Chei, double whammy!!! Shock and Awe!!!
Kai, nothing goes unnoticed here in CE .

Precision guide: look before you launch

Alaafin · Post by **Alaafin** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:20 pm

this one was a cluster bomb

Jiggerman21 · Post by **Jiggerman21** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:22 pm

Alaafin don kill me o!

ufuomsky · Post by **ufuomsky** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:30 pm

Hey guys you can suck on #$%, typo !!! you fool

Jiggerman21 · Post by **Jiggerman21** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:32 pm

ufuomsky wrote:Hey guys you can suck on #$%, typo !!! you fool

Relax man, just playing with you.

Its a Goal · Post by **Its a Goal** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 10:46 pm

[color=brown]ufuomsky[/color] wrote:Hey guys you can suck on #$%, typo !!! you fool

Haba, take easy it now. You have to take it on the chin and wait for the next guy to take the load off you.

bobbye · Post by **bobbye** » Thu Jan 08, 2004 11:32 pm

Like a hero and patriot he always is he never asked what the country will do for him but what he will do for the country.keep it up my hero.Hopefully the young players will follow your footsteps not that of selfish unpatrotic little brat Martins. Hopefully Nigerians will remember his flimsy excuse when he comes begging,pleading and apologizing. Up Okocha and Kanu

somebody · Post by **somebody** » Fri Jan 09, 2004 7:16 am

This is how a leader should speaker
This is how a leader should speaks

god Damn, he get as he be