Osasu Obayiuwana looks at the potential of the Super Eagles striker

Martins scored both goals against Rwanda in Abuja

With three goals in his first two games for the Super Eagles, Obafemi Martins has succeeded in erasing doubts about his commitment to Nigeria.

Martins' refusal to play at the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia provoked outrage from fans who felt he had placed Inter Milan, his Italian club, above the country.

But his brace against Rwanda in the 5 June 2006 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Abuja won over the hearts of supporters that previously questioned his patriotism.

The 19-year-old Inter Milan striker told BBC Sport that becoming an integral part of the Nigerian set-up had always been a part of his career plan.

"As long as I am invited for international games that are protected by the Fifa calendar, I will always play for my country.

"The problems I had over being released for matches is an issue that I have talked about with my club and there should be no problems in the future," he said.

Possessing the ability to run past opposing defenders, who struggle to cope with his consistent bursts of acceleration, Martins also infuses a sense of urgency into the Nigerian attack, with his direct approach towards goal.

World-class service

However, the key to realising Martins' potential as a consistent marksman for the Super Eagles is the quality of passes he receives from midfield.

In Jay-Jay Okocha, who exhibits the uncanny skill of creating goalscoring chances from near-impossible situations, Martins would be gifted with a world-class provider that would make his duty a less arduous task.

Okocha's midfield vision could turn Martins into a goal machine

Nigeria manager Christian Chukwu is cognisant of the devastating partnership both players could form over the ensuing months, despite his decision to drop Okocha for the Rwanda game.

"Okocha would be ideal for the way Martins plays," he told BBC Sport in London.

"His quality of service would create numerous chances for Obafemi to score."

A successful partnership between the two, yet to feature together in the same Nigerian line-up, could unleash the potential of Martins on the international stage.