World Cup 2018: John Obi Mikel reveals secret hell after dad was ‘kidnapped by armed bandits’
Former Chelsea midfielder has described his personal hell after taking to the field following news his dad Pa Michael Obi had been taken and his captors demanded a £21,000 ransom
JOHN OBI MIKEL has revealed his secret World Cup torment after his dad was kidnapped by ruthless armed bandits just hours before Nigeria faced Argentina.
The former Chelsea midfielder was in Russia when he received a call from Nigeria informing him that his father, Pa Michael Obi, had been snatched.
The bandits, who pretended to be police, took Obi when he was on his way to a funeral.
Mikel was told his father would be shot if he told anyone about the kidnapping.
The 31-year-old, who broke a bone in his hand in the 2-0 win over Iceland, opted not to tell teammates through fear of affecting their focus on their crucial Group D match with Argentina.
He told SunSport: “I was told they would shoot my dad instantly if I reported to the authorities or told anybody.
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“And I did not want to discuss it with the coach because I did not want my issue to become a distraction to the coach or the rest of the team on the day of such an important game.
“I was emotionally distraught but had to make a decision about whether I was mentally ready to play the game.
“I was confused. I did not know what to do, but in the end I knew that I could not let 180 million Nigerians down.
“I had to shut it out of my head and go and represent my country first.”
Nigeria were knocked out of the World Cup after defeat to Argentina on Tuesday.
Police rescued Mikel’s father on Monday evening, six days after he had been kidnapped.
between police and his Pa Michael's captors, and police have appealed for anyone local who witnesses anyone with new bullet wounds to come forward.
The pensioner and his driver Ishaya John were on their way to a funeral when his Toyota Prado 4x4 was intercepted and the pair kidnapped.
They were held for six days in a thickly forested area of Enugu State and they were recovered on Monday afternoon.
Mikel said: “Thankfully he is now safely released.
“I thank the police authorities for their rescue efforts and support from friends and family.”
It is the second time Obi has been kidnapped.
In 2011, he was taken and beaten by bandits after being taken on his way back from work in Jos.
