“Speed99”: Fans React As Obafemi Martins Shines at Troost-Ekong’s Charity Game in Lagos

• Inter Milan legend Obafemi Martins caught the attention of fans during the star-studded #PlayForPurpose charity match in Lagos on June 22
• Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, and Super Eagles players were present
• Other former international players present with Martins at the event included former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo and Odion Ighalo

Obafemi Martins lived up to his 'ObaGoal' nickname at the Troost-Ekong Foundation’s second annual charity match on June 22, 2025.

The former Super Eagles star joined 'Team White', which include Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong and stars like Victor Boniface.

Major former internationals like John Ogu, Odion Ighalo, Joseph Yobo, Zlatan Ibile, Etebo and Alexandra Song also stepped out onto the pitch.

The Inter Milan legend was unable to inspire a win for Team White, who lost to Team Green 7-5 in regulation time, per Punch, before also losing the ceremonial penalty shoot-out 5-3.

However, the former Rubin Kazan star showcased his flair, trading passes with Boniface before unleashing a shot with his weaker right foot, with the crossbar denying him the goal.

Martins would eventually make his attempt count during Team White's fightback, with the 'Weapon of Mass Destruction' applauded by the fans after the charity game.

The Man of the Match prize for Troost-Ekong Foundation Charity Match 2025 went to Ayo Makun, aka Comedian AY, who scored two goals to keep Team White in the game.

Reactions to Obafemi Martins' charity game outing

Johnson Ncube said:

"Prolific winger. Speed. Power."

Okoi Daniel wrote:

"Oba goal, may you continue to excel."

Joseph Chukwu added:

"That's really awesome Obafemi Martins came out to support William Troost-Ekong at his charity match game played in Lagos Nigeria 💪💪."

Reactions to Obafemi Martins' charity game outing

Nigerians were impressed with the former Super Eagles forward, noting that he seemed to have not missed a step. Legit.ng has compiled some of these reactions:

Johnson Ncube said:

"Prolific winger. Speed. Power."

Okoi Daniel wrote:

"Oba goal, may you continue to excel."

Joseph Chukwu added:

"That's really awesome Obafemi Martins came out to support William Troost-Ekong at his charity match game played in Lagos Nigeria 💪💪."

Olujinmi Samuel Adigun said:

"Oba goal love 💕 you always."

Rooney James wrote:

"The fastest player of all time."

@MrFEM0 added:

"Speed 99😄."

Obafemi Martins' impact for country and club

The former Nigerian international is regarded as one of the best strikers to have played for the Super Eagles and the charity match proved that his standing in the eyes of fans has not dimmed.

According to Transfermarkt stats, the 40-year-old scored 18 goals in 42 appearances for the West African football giants, making him Nigeria's sixth all-time highest goal-scorer.

Martins, who started his career as a teen on the streets of Lagos with Ebedei, starred for Inter Milan in the early 2000s, where he netted 28 goals and helped secure two Coppa Italia titles.

At the age of 19, Obagoal became the first teenager to score in three consecutive UEFA Champions League seasons in 2004 and scored over 100 goals across Europe, America, and Asia.

After a successful stint in England with Newcastle United, he later moved to Birmingham, where he scored the League Cup winner against Arsenal to win in 2011, as reported by ESPN.

Martins was also part of Nigeria’s bronze-winning team at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations and also made his name with goals in qualification games for the FIFA World Cup tourneys.

Martins sends message to Chukwueze

Legit.ng also previously reported on Obafemi Martins' message to Samuel Chukwueze regarding his domestic and international performances.

Obagoal told the former Villarreal winger to join the Premier League to revive his career, stating that his talent was better suited to English football.

Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng