RANTI MARTINS: EAGLES GOOD FOR BRAZIL 2014

RANTI MARTINS: EAGLES GOOD FOR BRAZIL 2014

about 4 days ago

Indian Premier League may not have the glamour portrayed by top European Leagues
however Ranti Martins has continued to emerge as Nigeria’s biggest export in
India. He speaks on his dream, and Super Eagles World Cup chances. Excerpts...

It’s been a long road to stardom for you. How it all did start?

Well just like every Nigerian boy, I started playing football on the streets of Agege and believed that one day I will play the game to a certain level that will suit my dream. It was a tough beginning but I really thank God for seeing me through, right from when I started till date.

You once featured for Faisal King FC of Ghana and almost played for Ghana’s junior national side.

Yeah, I featured in the Principal’s Cup for my school then, Anwar-ul-Islam College in Agege where we featured in the Principal’s and Shell Cups. I later moved on to Asante Kotoko Academy after which I later signed for Faisal King FC in 2004. I almost played for the Ghana-Starlets but things did not go the way I expected. I had no intention of playing in the Indian league but I just gave it a trial in 2004 when I signed for Dempo FC.

Initially, you may have thought that being an Indian league; you could just walk into the team there considering your pedigree?

So I thought, but I later realized that the so called Indian league is no child’s play. A lot of people back home just think the Indian league is substandard and I vehemently disagree with that. The league is made up of good players from Brazil and England as well as other countries. I think the name India may not ring a bell before lots of people, but you need to see how far the league has developed. Besides, the league is flocked by top managers from Holland and other parts of Europe. I have really settled down well in my present club, Prayag FC and I am trusting God to move to Europe this summer if all things work out well.

Recently you were adjudged as the Best Player' of the last edition of I-League, in which you scored 27 goals for Prayag United, topping the scorers' list...

Well, I really thank God for that. All glory must go to God for his mercies. It has really encouraged me to give my best. I know there are still more battles to be won and I won’t rest on my oars till I get to the top. I will keep doing my best and hopefully move on to Europe by the special grace of God.

Playing for the national team is the dream of every player; you had that chance in 2005 with the Flying Eagles but missed out. How much do you fancy your chances with the Super Eagles?

Yeah, I was invited in 2005 by Coach Samson Siasia then but Dempo FC were in AFC Championship and then the club’s President failed to inform me early enough simply because they wanted me to feature in the club’s last two games. However, by the time I could join them, the team had travelled to France and securing a visa was another setback. It was painful but I thank God for everything. Talking about my chances with securing a Super Eagles call-up, I know that many people will begin to ask what is in the Indian league, but I want to say here that the league in India is very strong. It is stronger than what we have in Nigeria because it is improving every season. More so, I want the handlers of the national team to look at the quality of the individuals and not where they play. I know my quality as a striker and I want the coaches, particularly Stephen Keshi to give me an opportunity to prove myself, I won’t disappoint him. I think the present crop of players are doing great and you need to see how much the AFCON finals were followed in India. There is no point panicking over Malawi, I believe these Eagles are good enough to fly over Malawi and then qualify for Brazil 2014 World Cup. -------------------- complete sports