History book: Day Obafemi Martins fired Birmingham City to League Cup glory

Born on the 28th of October 1984, Former Super Eagles of Nigeria forward Obafemi Martins turns 38 today.

To celebrate his birthday, SportsRation correspondent Nsikakabasi Akpan presents a throwback of the day Obafemi Martins fired Birmingham City to Carling Cup glory in 2011.

THE GAME 

The final of the 51st edition of the English Football League Cup (Carling Cup) took place on February 28, 2011 at Wembley Stadium.

Birmingham City were up against Arsenal in the final. The Gunners were expectedly tipped as favourites for the title against struggling Birmingham City.

Surprisingly, Birmingham City took the lead in the 28th minute when Roger Johnson’s corner kick was headed past Wojech Szczèsny by Nikola Zigic.

11 minutes later, Arsene Wenger’s men levelled scores through Robin Van Persie when he finished off a cross from Andrei Arshavin.

With scores level, Birmingham City Nigerian forward Obafemi Martins was introduced for Keith Fasley in the 83rd minute.

That move is one Birmingham City fans will always remember as Obafemi Martins in the final minute benefitted from a mix-up between Arsenal goalie Szczèsny and defender Kocielny to kick into an empty goal for what was the match winner.

A 2-1 win to send Birmingham City Fans into derilum at Wembley Stadium. Obafemi Martins and Birmingham City were crowned League cup champions for the second time in the clubs history.

WHAT HAPPENED AFTER 

Injury marred Obafemi Martin’s loan stay at Birmingham City. The former Inter Milan man could not play a part in the clubs failed battle against relegation.

Birmingham City dropped to the English Championship and Oba-goal as Obafemi Martins is fondly called returned to Rubin Kazan at the end of the season.

WHERE IS OBAFEMI MARTINS

According to available reports, Martins who featured 42 times for the Super Eagles of Nigeria is club-less and was spotted on a bike ride in Nigeria earlier this month.

The forward is yet to announce his retirement from active football after a career that saw him play in Italy, England, Spain, USA, China, banging goals everywhere he went.

As he turns 38 today, Nigerians and his fans the world over will remember him for his strikes and acrobatic goal celebrations.