Obafemi Martins ruled out of Nigeria's World Cup squad after he ruptured his hamstring

SUGGESTIONS that former inter Milan and Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins could join Nigeria's World Cup squad appear to have evaporated after he ruptured his hamstring in a recent Asian Champions League match.

Martins, 33, was once one of the hottest strikers in the world and tore Europe apart playing for Inter Milan, Newcastle United and Birmingham City. He has since moved to the Chinese league where he currently plays for Shanghai Shenhua and ruptured his hamstring over the weekend playing for the club.

Over the last few weeks, there have been calls for Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr to recall Martins with a view to including him in the Russia 2018 squad. These calls came on the back of the two friendlies against Poland and Serbia where Nigeria's attack was perceived not to be sharp enough.

This will not happen now as Shanghai Shenhua confirmed that Martins will be out of action for six to seven months. According to the club, he was forced out of their Asian Champions League game against Kashima Antlers of Japan which ended 2-2, due to an injury picked up in the 17th minute of the game.

Martins scored a hat-trick in the Chinese Super League few days ago. However, his club season has now come to an end, same as his dream of representing Nigeria at another World Cup.