[SIZE=7]Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel reveals father kidnapped before World Cup clash vs. Argentina[/SIZE]
MOSCOW – Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel faced Argentina on June 26 knowing that his father was being held for ransom, but did not tell anyone about it as the kidnappers threatened to shoot “instantly” if authorities were informed.
Mikel told KweséESPN that he received a call from the kidnappers four hours before kickoff in the decisive World Cup clash in St. Petersburg, and they demanded N10 million ($28,000 U.S.) for the safe return of his father, Pa Michael Obi.
The elder Obi was on his way to a funeral in southeastern Nigeria from Jos when he was abducted along the Makurdi-Enugu expressway on June 26. He and his driver were rescued after a “gun duel” on Monday in Egede, near the city of Udi in Enugu State, Nigeria Police confirmed Tuesday.