In the grand tapestry of African football, names like Samuel Eto’o, Mohamed Salah, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang often dominate the conversation. But hidden in the shadows of European glamour lies a story of sheer goalscoring brilliance—one that unfolded far from the continent’s footballing epicenters.

This is the story of Ranti Martins Soleye, the Nigerian striker who rewrote history in an unlikely destination: India.

A Different Path to Glory

Born on September 5, 1986, in Lagos, Nigeria, Ranti Martins’ football journey began like many other African talents—honing his skills in local academies before seeking greater opportunities. A brief stop in Ghana saw him play for Asante Kotoko Academy and King Faisal Babes, but his defining chapter was yet to begin.

In 2004, Martins made a move that few African stars would dare—he joined Dempo SC in India’s National Football League. Unfazed by the lack of global recognition, he set out to carve a name for himself in a league striving for prominence.

A Goal Machine in an Unlikely Land

Martins wasted no time establishing his dominance. He won the league title in his debut season, and over the next decade, he would cement himself as one of the most lethal strikers India had ever seen.

His crowning moment came in the 2011–12 season, where he netted a staggering 32 goals—setting a single-season record in India’s top flight. That same year, he was at the heart of Dempo’s historic 14-0 demolition of Air India, scoring an incredible six goals in one match—a record that still stands.

By the time he hung up his boots, Martins had racked up an astonishing 218 top-flight goals, making him one of Africa’s top scorers of the 21st century. His tally placed him alongside legends like Samuel Eto’o (282 goals), Abderrazak Hamdallah (243), Aubameyang (242), Salah (229), Youssef El-Arabi (223), and Baghdad Bounedjah (200+).

Yet, despite his brilliance, one call never came—the call from the Nigerian national team.

The Super Eagles Dream That Never Took Flight

For all his goals, Martins never had the chance to don the green and white of Nigeria. He once revealed that he was considered for the country’s U-20 team but missed out due to club commitments. When Ghana came knocking with an offer to switch allegiance, he declined—holding out hope for a Super Eagles invitation that never materialized.

“I know that many people will say, ‘What is in the Indian league?’ But I want to say here that the league in India is very strong. It is stronger than what we have in Nigeria because it is improving every season,” Martins once said in an interview.

Despite his exploits, playing outside Europe meant he was largely overlooked by the Nigerian selectors.

A Legacy Beyond Borders

After his glorious spell in India, Martins had short stints with Penang FA in Malaysia and SGFC Eagles in the United States before retiring. Though he never got to showcase his talents on the grandest international stages, his name remains legendary in Indian football, where he is hailed as one of the greatest foreign players to ever grace the league.

Martins’ story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and an undying love for the game. While Nigeria may have missed out on his brilliance, football history will never forget the goal machine who shattered records in India and earned his place among Africa’s finest scorers of the modern era.