Obafemi Martins Wolfsburg

Three members (Joseph Yobo, Yakubu, Victor Anichebe) of it ply their trade at Goodison Park of Everton in England. Portsmouth (Kanu, John Utaka), Fulham (Dickson Etuhu), Bolton Wanderers (Danny Shittu) and notably Chelsea (John Obi Mikel) boast Nigerian players. Obafemi Martins is another player I’m expecting to make things happen in South Africa. Martins once played for Newcastle and now plays for Wolfsburg in Germany. His pace paired with the pace of Victor Obinna will give the physical Greeks something think twice about as well as the rest of Group B. The captain, Kanu, stands the most capped, and his creative play will allow Martins to perform well, however his age has looked more noticeable as of late. In qualifying they conceded only one goal in six matches and had a perfect run. With John Obi Mikel steadying the ship in the middle of the park, breaking down attacks, and starting moves forward, the Nigerians are well equipped in all areas.

On the back of seven successive wins, United have clambered to the Barclays Premier League summit, whilst also opening their current Champions League
campaign with a highly significant triumph over Besiktas in Istanbul.

Tonight, Martins hopes to help his new club, Wolfsburg, halt that run at Old Trafford.

But the Nigerian knows it will be not be easy. The former Newcastle star has previously scored at Old Trafford, but he feels this United has more options than the ones he has encountered before.
Obafemi Martins

United fears: Wolfsburg striker Obafemi Martins (right) has had first-hand experience of Old Trafford already

'Even without Ronaldo and Tevez, I would say you face the same problems playing against United,' said Martins.

'In fact they are playing much better than before. When Ronaldo was on the pitch, everyone looked to him, expecting him to change the game when his team most needed it.

'But now United have a lot of players who can change a game, like Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Dimitar Berbatov. Even the defenders can score goals, so we must watch out for them all over the pitch.'

Rooney is the man Martins is most wary of.

The England striker is set to make his 50th Champions League appearance for United this evening, with Sir Alex Ferguson among those who believe the 23-year-old is destined for even bigger things.

Having seen him operate at close quarters, Martins is not going to disagree. 'He is playing so well at the moment - he can destroy defenders in an instant,' he said.

'He is scoring goals, maybe more goals than before, and he is helping the team in lots of other ways as well. He is a player we need to be very careful of.'

Obafemi Martins Wolfsburg
Obafemi Martins Wolfsburg
Obafemi Martins Wolfsburg
Obafemi Martins Wolfsburg
Obafemi Martins Wolfsburg
Obafemi Martins Wolfsburg