Middlesbrough midfielder John Mikel Obi has opened up on his father’s kidnapping ordeal during last summer’s FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia.
The former Chelsea player was on duty for the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia while his father was being kidnapped.
John Mikel Obi was informed of his father’s kidnap shortly before he led the Super Eagles for their final game in Group D of the tournament.
Mikel Obi and Nigeria crashed out of the tournament after they were beaten 2-1 by two-time world champions Argentina in their final Group D game.
Narrating the kidnapping ordeal of his father (Pa Mikel Obi) with Sportsworld on BBC World Service, John Mikel Obi thought that his father would be killed by the kidnappers.
Mikel Obi thought that he would be greeted with the news of his father’s death after the Argentina game.
Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr gave Mikel Obi the permission to miss the crucial match against Argentina but the former Chelsea midfielder opted to play the game.
John Mikel Obi revealed that the kidnapping ordeal of his father made him a better person.
He has been earning rave reviews since joining Championship side Middlesbrough as a free agent at the start of this year.
