Super Eagles skipper Mikel Obi
says he was informed of his father’s abduction a few hours before Nigeria
played Argentina in a World Cup group game.
Pa Michael Obi, Mikel’s father,
was rescued on Monday after being kidnapped for the second time in seven years.
The police had said Pa Obi and
his driver, John Ishaya, were abducted on Makurdi-Enugu Road on June 29.
In a statement made available to
TheCable by Mikel’s publicist, the midfielder said he had to suppress his
emotions to play against Argentina.
“Following various speculators
about recent occurrence with my father,” Mikel was quoted to have said.
“I can confirm I had to suppress
emotional trauma to lead Nigeria out against Argentina last Tuesday, June 26 in
Saint Petersburg.
“Four hours before kick-off, I
received a call from Nigeria that my father Pa Michael Obi had been kidnapped
for the second time.
“He was on his way to a funeral
in south-eastern Nigeria from Jos when he was abducted along the Makurdi-Enugu
expressway.
“I was emotionally distraught but
had to make a decision about whether I was mentally ready to play the game.
“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 members my friends knew.
I was told that they would shoot my dad instantly if I reported to the
authorities or told anybody.
“And I did not want to discuss it
with the coach because I did not want my issue to become a distraction to the
coach or the rest of the team on the day of such an important game.
“So as much as I wanted to
discuss it with the coach, I could not do it. Thankfully he is now safely
released less than seven hours ago. I thank the police authorities for their
rescue efforts and support from friends and family members.”
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