Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel revealed on The Obi One Podcast how he learned of his father’s kidnapping just two hours before Nigeria’s crucial FIFA World Cup match against Argentina. Despite the threats and emotional distress, Mikel chose to play the match without informing his teammates.
During the game, kidnappers demanded ransom, threatening to kill his father. Mikel’s father, who was being beaten, urged him to pay.
After the match, Chelsea’s then-owner Roman Abramovich offered assistance, though Mikel ultimately negotiated and paid a hefty ransom to secure his father’s release.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Mikel described it as a life-changing experience that strengthened his mental resilience. This was the second time his father had been kidnapped.
