Sports
I COULD NOT LET 180 MILLION NIGERIANS DOWN! Mikel Obi says he played against Argentina while his father was in the hands of bandits
Nigeria’s captain, John Mikel Obi, on Tuesday revealed he knew of his father’s kidnap hours before the Super Eagles played Argentina at the World Cup.
Mikel received the shocking news as he travelled on the team bus to the stadium in St Petersburg last Tuesday. A family member called him and told him that he had to call the kidnappers on a designated number. When Mikel did so, he was ordered to pay a ransom.
Speaking with the Guardian UK, Mikel said that he could not confide in anyone at the Nigerian Football Federation – partly because he did not want to be a distraction before the game – and how he asked himself whether he had the strength to play.
Pa Michael Obi was abducted as he travelled to a funeral along the Makurdi-Enugu expressway from Jos.
Mikel tried to put the trauma to one side and he played the 90 minutes against Argentina. Nigeria lost 1-2 to a late Marcus Rojo goal to exit the tournament.
Mikel said,
“I played while my father was in the hands of bandits,” Mikel said. “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.
“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.”
-
News22 hours ago
US court overturn ex-Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction
-
Metro23 hours ago
Oyo police arrest trigger-happy officer who killed NYSC member
-
Metro22 hours ago
Mother, child electrocuted in Ogun market
-
News20 hours ago
Don’t restrict yourself to employer-sponsored health plans – SUNU Health
-
News15 hours ago
Active WWII bomb discovered near German stadium
-
News18 hours ago
Boat mishap: CILT demands stakeholders’ collaboration for waterways safety
-
Metro18 hours ago
Insecurity: Plateau community seeks ban of bandits-friendly bikes
-
health4 hours ago
UK pledges £1b to support Nigeria’s fight against malaria