Nigeria Refuse To Release Martins!

Stand-in boss Nigel Pearson will have to do without his striker for the trip to Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Magpies understood that the player was due to be released by Nigeria for the game and would then rejoin The Super Eagles as they prepare for their African Cup of Nations campaign.

Nigeria's media co-ordinator Idah Peterside: "I have just spoken to Berti Vogts right now and the truth of the matter is that Martins is not going anywhere. 

"If he was going to go, he would have been on a flight out of Malaga by now.

"But we are leaving for training in a few minutes and he is going with us."

Martins: "It is up to the officials to decide. If the coach says I can go, I will go. But right now, I haven't heard anything and I just want to concentrate on my country."