John Obi Mikel Found Out That Father Had Been Kidnapped Hours Before Final World Cup Game

It has been revealed that NIgeria midfielder John Obi Mikel played against Argentina in their final World Cup game with the shocking news that his father had been kidnapped.

In a story reported by ESPN, it says how the kidnappers told Mikel that they would shoot his father, Pa Michael Obi, instantly if he reported them to the authorities or told anybody.

"I played while my father was in the hands of bandits. I had to suppress the trauma. I took a call four hours before kick-off to tell me what had happened." the former Chelsea midfielder said.

"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."

Mikel went on to speak about how he wanted to tell the Nigeria coach but he just couldn't after the threats made:

"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."

You've got to give John Obi Mikel a huge amount of credit here. To play in such an imporant game with such pressure on your mind is a feat in itself. Respect.

Thankfully his father was released a week later .We wish him all the best in his recovery..

Topics: Football News, Football, World Cup

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_