Martins Thought He Was Going To Die

Last updated : 21 June 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Martins: "For a moment I thought I was going to die as they kept shooting at my car indiscriminately.


"Those guys wanted me dead - they had no intention of sparing anyone in the car. They were not robbers because  after  the  shooting they left without taking anything from the car.

"I thank God that my friend survived. It was like a movie but I thank God I'm alive to tell the story.

"My mother is scared and felt that they could come back again. I don't feel safe here anymore. and may not be coming back soon. I came home to play for my country and spend my holidays with my friends and family. This is not what I expected.

"I think people will now understand why some players don't feel comfortable coming back to Nigeria from Europe. I came hoame for the game against Niger because I wanted to play for my country and make the people happy."

The Nigeria Fooball Association, yesterday expressed shock over reports of armed bandits' attack on the Newcastle striker. 

Chief Media Officer of the NFA, Ademola Olajire: "I am shocked by this report. Martins came here to represent his country and did well to help Nigeria to a 3-1 win over Niger in a Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday.

"We cannot understand why anyone would want to attack him in such dastardly manner.

"He has nothing to be afraid of. It happens anywhere in the world and it was not the fault of the NFA  or the Nigerian people. We condemn it in its entirety because Martins came on a national assignment".