Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has got fans talking with his claims of being faster than several footballers considered speed monsters in the sport.
Martins, known for his agility, strength, and speed during his playing days, was widely revered, especially during his time in Italy with Reggina and Inter Milan. He scored a total of 182 club career goals and 18 goals for the Super Eagles, making him one of the highest goal scorers to ever play for the Nigerian national team.
In a viral video shared on X, the former Newcastle United attacker was shown several football players—both past and present—known for their speed and was asked to indicate if they were faster than him in his prime, as each name popped up.
The players included Micky van de Ven, Arjen Robben, Thierry Henry, Kylian Mbappe, Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Adama Traore, Ronaldo Nazário (Delima), and Cristiano Ronaldo. Martins claimed to have been faster than the listed players during his football days.
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Fans react following Super Eagles legend Martins’ speed superiority claims
However, the retired football star’s claims have stirred controversy in the comments section, with different factions of fans either backing or refuting his assertions.
One refuting the Super Eagles legend’s claim commented, “He was very fast but not as fast as Henry, Walcott, Bale.”
A second antagonist wrote, “Martins was good but not faster than Bale and Ronaldo!”
A third wrote, “I think Traore is faster than him.”
He was very fast but not as fast as Henry, Walcott, Bale
— Akogs (@akogs) December 17, 2024
One backing the former Super Eagles star’s claim, testifying to his high speed rating on PlayStation, stated,
“Obagoal made us pick Inter back then with his 99 pace and strength on the flank, paired with Adriano’s insane 96 shot power & accuracy. Obafemi Martins was pure speed cheat code. At his prime, who was faster with the ball?”
If you weren’t a gamer, you wouldn’t get it.
Obagoal made us pick Inter back then with his 99 pace and strength on the flank, paired with Adriano’s insane 96 shot power & accuracy. Obafemi Martins was pure speed cheat code.
At his prime, who was faster with the ball? 🤔
No one
— Serlekan #Hone (@serlekan) December 17, 2024
Another, using the same metric, responded, “Martins is whoever he thinks he is, a person wey play like R9 for Inter Milan. Wallahi none is faster than him.”
A third affirmed, “And he’s right, none of these players mentioned are touching him. Obafemi was breeze in his prime.”
A fourth attested, naming another speed monster not on the list as the only player matching the Super Eagles legend in terms of speed, “The only player faster or who can be compared to Obafemi Martins is Roberto Carlos.”
