Seattle Sounders coach Sigi Schmid has expressed optimisim that the fans would enjoy watching new star signing Obafemi Martins.
“Obviously when you’re trying to add a designated player, you expect him to help your team. He’s a player who’s been able to score goals in some of the toughest leagues in the world, so now if he can bring that talent here — he’s fast, he’s left-footed, he’s got some explosion to him — I think the crowd will enjoy him,” Schmid said.
However, the coach feared a work permit may delay Martins debut this weekend against Portland Timbers which parades another prolific Nigerian striker – Bright Dike.
“Well there are always the P-1 work-permit issues, and you’ve got to get the transfer document in and the registration, so all that has to happen,” he said.
Martins who signed a two-year contract with the Major League Soccer side believed to fetch him $3 million a year, bought out his contract from La Liga side Levante for a reported fee of about 3.6 million Euros.
Obagoal as he is fondly called tweeted he was up to his latest challenge in the USA.
“A big step to take in my career. It’s a big challenge but I’m ready,” said the Nigerian striker who has been recalled by Coach Stephen Keshi for a 2014 World Cup qualifier at home to Kenya on March 23.
