Super Eagles Captain, Mikel Obi, played a decisive game against Argentina with a heavy heart as the player’s father was in the custody of kidnappers.
disconcerted
Mikel revealed that the kidnappers had called him four hours before the kickoff of Nigeria’s final World Cup game against Argentina, demanding the sum of ₦10 million ($28,000 U.S.) for the safe return of his father.
Pa Obi was said to have been on his way to a funeral in southeastern Nigeria from Jos when he was abducted along the Makurdi-Enugu expressway on June 26th.
In a statement by the player, Mikel was quoted by the Guardian:
“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.
“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 Nigerians down. 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.
“I was told that they would shoot my dad instantly if I reported to the authorities or told 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.”
– Mikel
home
Pa Micheal Obi was freed by the Nigerian police on 2nd July following a gun duel between the Nigerian Police and kidnappers.
In the heat of the moment, the kidnappers who were cornered by brave men of the Nigerian Police were forced to abandon their captives and make a quick escape for their lives in a forest in Udi area of Enugu State.
Pa Micheal Obi is in hospital receiving treatment.
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