Swaziland v Nigeria Preview: Recalled Martins out to see off unfancied hosts

Returning striker Obafemi Martins has challenged Nigeria to prove their quality against Swaziland this week as they begin their World Cup qualification campaign in Lobamba.

The Seattle Sounders man is set to make his first appearance for the Super Eagles since March 2013 on Friday after being recalled to the national side following a 15-goal season in Major League Soccer.

Alongside 31-year-old Martins, Manchester City's 19-year-old forward Kelechi Iheanacho could debut for Sunday Oliseh's men this week as they begin their bid to reach a third consecutive World Cup finals.

Swaziland booked their place in the second qualification round with an 8-1 aggregate win over Dijibouti but Martins was bullish in his assessment of Friday's clash, which will be played on the artificial surface at the Somhlolo National Stadium.

"I have always stayed true to my country and happiness is an understatement of my feelings right now, the national team means a lot to me," he told News24.

"With all due respect, I don't expect them to pose so much of a threat but we still have to approach the game with all the seriousness it deserves, as underdogs they have nothing to lose hence they will play with freedom.

"We are an experienced side and that gives us an edge but we have to be ready to fight till the end, we can't afford to start badly."

Swaziland are ranked 130th in the world but have already shown their ability to spring an upset when they produced a surprise 2-1 win over Guinea in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.