Nigerians have applauded footballer Mikel Obi who played in Nigeria’s defeat to Argentina despite getting news before the march that his father’s life was in danger.
Mikel was told that his father had been kidnapped and would be killed if he reported anything – just hours before he led Nigeria into their final World Cup group phase tie against Argentina.
The Nigeria captain received the shocking news as he traveled on the team bus to the stadium in St Petersburg last Tuesday.
A family member called him and told him that he had to call the kidnappers on a designated number.
When Mikel did so, he was ordered to pay a ransom.
Mikel told the Guardian that he could not confide in anyone at the Nigerian Football Federation – partly because he did not want to be a distraction before the game.
Pa Michael Obi was abducted on Makurdi-Enugu Road, South-East Nigeria, as he travelled to a funeral from Jos. The police in Nigeria were able to secure his release, but Mikel said his father was tortured during a week-long ordeal and is currently receiving emergency treatment in a hospital. It is the second time that he has been kidnapped, with the first one being in August 2011.
Mikel tried to put the trauma to one side and he played the 90 minutes against Argentina. Nigeria lost 2-1 to a late Marcus Rojo goal to exit the tournament. A 1-1 draw would have seen them qualify for the last 16.
He said, “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.
“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 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. I thank the police 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.”
Nigerians have taken to social media to applaud him for his rare display of patriotism and leadership despite his father’s situation.
Some Nigerians even went ahead campaigning for the Super Eagles Captain to run for a political position, noting that they would vote him in.
See some of the comments below:
@Chydee “Signed for Chelsea instead of Man Utd because the future of 3 other Nigerians depended on it.Paid bills for the Nigerian Olympic team in 2016. “Played against Argentina even though his dad had been kidnapped.If Mikel Obi ever decides to run for Office, I will campaign for him.”
@Biolakazeem “Mikel Obi out here showing leadership & responsibility more than any Nigerian political leader alive but it is Babagana Kingibe they will remember to give a national honour for sabotaging the same ticket he ran on. Nigeria is a real tragicomedy.”
@IamOkon “We don’t respect this guy enough. He was called four hours before Nigeria faced Argentina to be told about his father’s abduction. Still played out his heart in that WorldCup game.John Mikel Obi. Our Captain. Our Leader. LEGEND.”
@Abangmercy “Nigeria will break you… Nigeria will break any patriotism left in you. Nigeria will test your faith in life, humanity, and mankind – Mikel Obi went through all that phase and stood tall.”
@Iambolar “A true leader. It’s what captains do. Your crew first, no matter what. More power to your elbow John Mikel Obi.”
@Shawnife “So Mikel Obi was called four hours before the Nigerian game against Argentina about his father’s abduction by kidnappers. Still played his heart out in that game, even with a wrist injury. “I’ve got so much respect for this man. He’s the definition of a leader.”
@SanRomeo “Mikel Obi is the selfless leader we’re yet to have in this country. It takes a HERO to put his country above his family. Despite knowing his father has been kidnapped, he still went ahead to play for Nigeria. We thank him enough.”
The federal government has condemned the kidnapping of Pa Michael John Obi, in a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung commended the former Chelsea star for his show of patriotism during the match following his courageous display of loyalty to the country despite the sad news of his father’s abduction.
