OBAFEMI MARTINS Happy To Be Back

After two years in the international wilderness, Levante forward Obafemi Martins was handed a recall to the Nigeria selection by coach Stephen Keshi in next Wednesday's exhibition match with Venezuela.

The 28 - year - old former Inter Milan ace has been in immaculate form in the Spanish championship with four goals in six matches.

In an exclusive interview with goal.com, Martins thanked Stephen Keshi for recalling him to the National Team.

He told the website: ''I’m happy to be back in the Eagles and I appreciate Keshi  for giving me this opportunity and I promise I won’t let my fans down. I’m really thankful, what happened in Rubin Kazan, it’s an episode of my life I don’t want to go back to anymore.''

The 2013 African Cup of Nations draw held last month pitted Nigeria in Group C with defending champions Zambia, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso. Martins could be in Nigeria's squad to the tournament if he impresses coach Keshi in Miami.

''I’m fully ready and I can’t wait to be part of the team. Eagles is my first home. We will shock Zambia, they won the last nations cup, but Nigeria wasn’t there. For Ethiopia and Burkina Faso we shouldn’t underrate them at all. But I know Eagles will soon rule African football under Keshi,'' said Martins to goal.com.

Photo Credit: Levante