John Obi Mikel: “My dad got kidnapped while I was playing for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.”

“We were about to play against Argentina. Two hours before the game I got a phone call from my brother saying my dad got kidnapped.”

“The first time he was kidnapped was shocking, but the second time was even more shocking because I was about to go into one of the biggest games of my life.”

“I couldn’t leave the room. I couldn’t tell anybody. I was alone in the room for about 30 minutes, thinking what am I going to do?"

“But we’re about to go into the biggest game of our lives. We’re about to play against Lionel Messi and Argentina.”

“Chelsea were very supportive. I remember Roman Abramovich saying ‘do you want me to send people over? Because I know if I send people over, I can get your dad out’ — I was like, how are you going to do this?”

“He said don’t worry about that. Just let me know if you want that option, I can do it.”

(@talkSPORT)

  • chazwomaq@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    On 12 August 2011, Mikel’s father, Michael Obi, was the victim of a suspected kidnapping in Nigeria. Mikel was informed before Chelsea’s match against Stoke City two days later but opted to play despite his concerns for his father’s well-being. On 15 August 2011, Mikel made an impassioned plea for his father’s safe return. He told Sky Sports News, "I’ve always tried to help the country, this is the time for the country to help me, whoever knows where my dad is should please contact me."Michael Obi was found alive on 22 August 2011, in the Nigerian city of Kano. His abductors were reported to be in police custody. On 26 June 2018, a few hours before a World Cup match, Mikel was informed of another kidnapping of Michael Obi, but did not tell any of his team members. The Enugu State Police stated that they rescued Michael Obi on 2 July after a gunfight.

    From Wikipedia