Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Magpies give Martins blessing

05 Feb 2007 - 15:10:01

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Newcastle United have denied claims that they have fallen out with the Nigerian Football Association over the release of striker Obafemi Martins for Tuesday's friendly with Ghana.

Magpies boss Glenn Roeder had previously suggested he would ask the Nigerian authorities to omit his 11-goal striker from the friendly squad as he remains the only fit forward at St James' Park.

But amid suggestions claiming they would prevent Martins from joining up with his international colleagues, Newcastle have issued a statement claiming they are happy to release the former Internazionale striker.

"Newcastle United wishes to make it clear that the club has not refused Obafemi Martins permission to join up with the Nigerian squad for their friendly game with Ghana this week," read a club statement.

"The club has written to the Nigerian FA to make that clear."