Nigeria’s Mikel reveals father was kidnapped before Argentina clash

John Obi Mikel on Tuesday revealed that his father was kidnapped just hours before he captained Nigeria in their final World Cup group game against Argentina.

The former Chelsea midfielder played full 90 minutes in the match, which Argentina eventually won 2-1 to qualify for the knockout stages.

But Mikel who was informed of the news while travelling in the team bus on his way to the stadium, did not tell anyone of his ordeal because he “was told that they would shoot my dad instantly if I reported to the authorities or told anybody.”

According to the Guardian, Mikel received a phone call from a family member telling the midfielder to call a designated number. When he made contact with the kidnappers using that number, a ransom of 10 million Nigerian naira (around £21,000) was demanded.

“I played while my father was in the hands of bandits. I had to suppress the trauma. I took a call four hours before kick-off to tell me what had happened,” said Mikel.

“I was emotionally distraught and I had to make the decision about whether I was mentally ready to play. I was confused. I did not know what to do but, in the end, I knew that I could not let 180 million Nigeriansdown. I had to shut it out of my head and go and represent my country first. I could not even inform the coaches or NFF staff and only a very tight circle of my friends knew.”

He also added that he did not tell anybody. “I also did not want to discuss it with the coach [Gernot Rohr] because I did not want my issue to become a distraction to him or the rest of the team on the day of such an important game. As much as I wanted to discuss it with the coach, I could not.”

The elder Pa Michael Obi was travelling to a funeral in south east Nigeria from Jos when he was abducted along the Makurdi-Enugu expressway on June 26. Police then rescued him and his driver, after a gun-duel on July 2. Almost a week after he had disappeared.

He has since been taken to the hospital requiring multiple stitches after being tourtured.

“Thankfully, my father was safely released on Monday afternoon. I thank the police authorities for their rescue efforts and the support I’ve received from friends and family members. Unfortunately, my dad is now in hospital receiving emergency treatment as a result of the torture he received during his capture,” said the 31-year-old.

This is however not the first-time that the senior had been abducted. He had earlier disappeared in 2011 and was released after 10 days.