Martins in fresh snub to Nigeria
MILAN, Italy, Jan 3 -- Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins has withdrawn from the Nigeria squad for the African Nations Cup finals which start in Tunisia later this month.
The 19-year-old was due to take part in pre-tournament training camp in the Portuguese resort of Faro, but has refused to travel, saying he would rather fight for his place at Inter.
"Going to the Nations Cup would be harmful to my career and at the moment I only want to think about my club," said Martins.
"I cannot afford to leave Inter behind for five weeks," added Martins, who has been nominated for the African Player of the Year award.
It is not the first time Martins, who is yet to make his full international debut, has turned down the chance to represent his country.
In October, he withdrew from playing in the football tournament of the All Africa Games and also declined invitations to take part in any of the Super Eagles' 2004 Olympic Games qualifiers.
Knicknamed 'Oba Oba' by the Inter supporters, Martins is one of Serie A's quickest players and has appeared in the first team more frequently this season due to injuries to Christian Vieri.
He scored in Inter's 3-0 Champions League win away to Arsenal and their 3-1 league win away to title-holders Juventus, Inter's two best performances of the season so far.
Martins has also scored four league goals for Alberto Zaccheroni's men.
