Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce has admitted defeat in his battle with Nigeria over Obafemi Martins' commitment to a pre-African Nations Cup training camp.

Allardyce told the Evening Chronicle: "We've got no muscles to flex. It's a FIFA rule - there's a two-week period prior to an international tournament starting for which they can take the players.

"If he's not within his rights to do it, then he wouldn't be doing it.

"At the moment, Berti Vogts and Nigeria are the only ones who are invoking the rule."