Obafemi Martins: Nigeria's all-time UEFA Champions League top scorer turns 38

Born on 28 October 1984, former Nigerian international Obafemi Martins turns 38 today.
Obafemi Martins is undoubtedly one of the finest strikers Nigeria has produced in recent years.

The former Super Eagles star who hails from Lagos scored 19 goals in 40 caps for Nigeria from 2004 to 2015.

Obagoal, as he was affectionately called also featured for some top clubs in Europe including, Inter Milan in the Italian Serie A, Newcastle United in the Premier League, and Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.

In this piece, we take a look at five interesting facts about the former Inter Milan striker.

Scouted by Sunday Oliseh's father

Martins was scouted by Churchill Oliseh, father of former Super Eagles player and coach Sunday Oliseh.

Mr. Oliseh discovered Obafemi on the streets of Lagos at a very young age, he went on to begin his football in Ijebu-Ode Ogun State with local football club F.C. Ebedei.

Nigerian player with the most Champions League goals

Obafemi Martin scored 10 goals in Europe's elite club competition, more than any other Nigerian player.

Julius Aghahowa, Emmanuel Emenike, Viktor Ikpeba , and Ayegbeni Yakubu all managed 7 goals in the UCL.

88 matches, 28 goals at both Inter and Newcastle

Interestingly, Obafemi Martins recorded the same number of matches and goals at both Inter Milan and Newcastle United.

He joined the Magpies from the Nerazzurris in 2006 haven't spent five seasons at the Italian club.

First teenager to score in three consecutive Champions League seasons

After scoring in Inter's 3-1 win against Anderlecht in the 2004-05 UEFA Champions League group stage, Martins became the first teenager to score in three consecutive Champions League seasons.

Trademark backflip celebration

Martins was well known for his trademark acrobatic goal celebration. Another Super Eagles international who is well-known for this celebration was Julius Aghahowa.

WDN