OBAGOAL DROPS DIAMOND EARRINGS FOR KESHI

• Martins
Nigeria's striker, Obafemi Martins, is willing to drop his expensive diamond earrings in order to play for the Super Eagles under Stephen Keshi.

New Eagles' coach, Keshi has ordered national team players to desist from wearing earrings while in his camp, and Martins has now said he does not see anything wrong with the order by the coach.

'It's not a big deal. I have not been communicated officially on this, but if that is the order, it won't be a problem because I don't even wear my earrings to play football or even sleep,' Martins offered.

Asked the type of earrings he wears on both ears and how much they would have set him back.

'They are diamonds and they cost a lot of money,' the Rubin Kazan of Russia striker replied.

Other earring -wearing Nigerian international stars include skipper Joseph Yobo, Dele Adeleye, Victor Anichebe, Osaze Odemwingie and Brown Ideye.

Nigeria begins its campaign for a place at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in Kigali, Rwanda, on February 29.

Statistically, the first name Keshi should have on his team list ought to be 'Obagoal' as he is the only Nigeria star to have scored against The Amavubis of Rwanda at full international level.

In 2004, he grabbed a brace against them in his competitive debut in Abuja and then grabbed an all-important equaliser in the reverse fixture several months later.

On Thursday, Martins set the ball rolling on his foundation to help the less privileged in Nigeria with a visit to the SOS Childrens' Home in Isolo, Lagos.

'I'm excited to touch lives and I have since I started professional football about 10 years ago helped my family, friends and people on the streets,' said Martins, who donated food items to the motherless home and enjoyed a kick about game of football with some of the children.

'I have two kids of my own, I love kids and I'm really delighted to see the children happy despite having very little.

'They should never stop dreaming no matter what.'
'Martins is humble and a very cheerful giver. We care for our children and therefore appreciate people like him who come to support us,' commended SOS social worker Nassar Bolanle.