Nigeria was kicked out of the world cup courtesy of Argentina in the last round game of the group stage. The Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi revealed that he played the game against the La Albiceleste after getting the news that his father was kidnapped.

Unknown to any member of the squad the leader of the team had other issues to deal with apart from the fact that they needed just a point to make it to the next round.

The bandits had his father, Michael Obi in custody and were demanding a ransom for them to release him, while also giving him a warning not to involve any security agency if he wants his father to come back alive.

“I played while my father was in the hands of bandits,” Mikel was quoted by The Guardian on Tuesday. “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.”

The former Chelsea midfielder went on to play the game and gave a good account of himself on the field of play, unfortunately his side still lost 2-1 and got eliminated from the mundial in Russia.

It was confirmed yesterday by Enugu State Police Command in a statement released by their spokes man that Mr. Michael Obi has been rescued from the kidnappers.

The kidnappers allegedly demanded N10m as ransom from Obi’s family, according to police.

“Michael Obi, the father of Eagles captain, has regained his freedom,” Enugu Police command spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said.

“He was rescued a forest in the Udi area of Enugu after a gun battle between the police and the kidnappers, who escaped during the shootout. “He is right now in the office of the Enugu State police commissioner.”

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