Martins is not going to Tunisia

The Inter Milan striker pulled out on Saturday, saying it would harm his club career if he took part in the tournament in Tunisia.

Nigerian football chiefs have since met in the capital Abuja to decide what, if any, punishment Martins could face.

Nigerian Football Association (NFA) chairman Ibrahim Galadima said "it's possible" the 19-year-old could be sanctioned.

He said: "We want to make our players understand no-one is indispensable.

We've done everything possible to ensure that he plays for his country Ibrahim Galadima NFA chairman

"I'm as shocked as everybody because he had given us the assurance that he would play in the tournament.

"We've done everything possible to ensure that he plays for his country but it appears he is just not keen and as such we cannot force or beg him."

Galadima said the youngster may come to regret his decision.

"If the team do well in Tunisia without him, it may well be very difficult for him to break into the side when he's finally ready to play for us."

The Nigerians are currently in Portugal preparing for the Nations Cup which starts on 24 January.

The Super Eagles face debutants Benin, and two former winners South Africa and Morocco in the first round group stage.

Galadima said revealed that each of Nigeria's 22-man squad would be paid a total of $34,000 if they won the trophy.