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Martins in hot water

07 Feb 2007 - 09:35:53

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Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins has incurred the wrath of Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen after missing Tuesday's friendly international against Ghana.

Eguavoen has threatened to report the former Internazionale star to FIFA after the striker failed to join up with the rest of the Super Eagles squad for the game at Brentford's Griffin Park, which Ghana won 4-1.

"He was invited but to my great surprise he is not here. He's nowhere to be found - he's not even in England," said Eguavoen.

"I will go to FIFA, which is the highest authority in football, as this is the highest level of disrespect."

It has been reported that Martins returned to Nigeria to see his mother, who is unwell.

FIFA could impose a domestic suspension on the 22-year-old if they rule he snubbed his country.

Earlier this season, FIFA threatened to ban Chelsea's Claude Makelele for two matches for every France game he missed.