Obafemi Martins Makes Shanghai Shenhua Official Debut Off Bench

Published: March 05, 2016

Former Seattle Sounders frontman Obafemi Martins made his official debut for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in their 1-1 draw with Yanbian Funde in the Super League on Saturday afternoon.

In his first competitive game, the Nigeria international started on the bench but was substituted on in the 76th minute of the encounter at Hongkou Stadium.

With the homers losing 1-0, Martins had a chance to equalize eight minutes from time but his volley missed target after a pass from wing-back Xiong Fei.

Shanghai Shenhua found a way back to parity in the 88th minute through ex-Chelsea striker Demba Ba, who kept his composure to convert a spot kick.

Shanghai Shenhua’s new number 17, Martins, has penned a one-year deal with the Gregorio Manzano-led side.

Igho Kingsley