[kennethlindheim]

Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins has revealed he was nearly killed by masked gunmen on a recent trip home to Nigeria.

Martins and a friend were surrounded at a petrol station on Monday night in Lagos when shots were fired, leaving the former Internazionale star fearing for his life.

The Nigeria international is now in Italy recovering from his ordeal and has been given the green light from doctors, much to the relief of Newcastle fans.

Martins now fears he will not be able to return home for some time and has hinted his international career may be on hold until his safety can be guaranteed.

"They weren't there to rob me but to finish me off," he told the Sun. "I thought I was going to die.

"They didn't say anything to me, but just started shooting at the car. It was hell. It all happened like in the movies.

"How I managed to escape is still shocking. I don't feel safe in Lagos anymore and don't think I want to return so fast.

"It's a great thing to play for your country, put smiles on the face of people and also feel safe among your family and fans.

"But when the situation gets out of hand, I don't think coming home is something I can even contemplate.

"I could have been a dead man by now. But I've had X-rays and doctors say I'll be fine."

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