Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea star John Mikel Obi's father abducted in Nigeria
A Premier League footballer played for his club at the weekend despite knowing his father had been abducted in his native Nigeria. [LNB]John Mikel Obi, who plays for Chelsea, insisted on playing in Sunday's goalless draw at Stoke City even though his father Michael was seized on Friday. [LNB]In a statement, Mikel's representatives Sport Entertainment and Media Group said: 'SEM confirms that client John Mikel Obi's father was abducted in Nigeria on Friday, August 10.[LNB]'Thus far no ransom (demand) has been received. Mikel was informed by his manager prior to the Stoke v Chelsea match and decided to play so as not to let down his team and family.'[LNB] Under stress: Left, Chelsea star John Mikel Obi, who played this weekend even though his father had been abducted in Nigeria left, with his agent John Shittu [LNB] Mikel's agent John Ola Shittu praised his client for the character he showed in turning out against Stoke.[LNB]'He is totally devastated. We were not sure whether to tell him before the game,' he told KickOffNigeria.com.[LNB]'But after speaking to the manager (Andre Villas-Boas) and Mike Emenalo (Chelsea's sporting director) we agreed that he had a right to be informed of such a serious incident. Driving ban for Premier League manager who claimed his drink was spiked... he'd only had two and a half glasses of red wine and a beer [LNB]'He was under a lot of stress but he showed a lot of character and mental strength to play against Stoke.'[LNB] Shittu added: 'It's been tough for the young man.[LNB]'The family in Jos reported him missing at the police station as expected but we're taking all necessary measures to find him.[LNB] Playing on: Mikel pictured during the match against Stoke City on Sunday[LNB]'We've told him to be brave and to stay calm.'[LNB]Mikel is not the first Barclays Premier League player to have a family member abducted in Nigeria.[LNB]In July 2008 the elder brother of Everton defender Joseph Yobo was kidnapped in Port Harcourt.[LNB]Nornu Yobo was released after 10 days but it was never made clear whether a ransom was paid.[LNB]Chelsea offered Mikel their support in a statement, which read: 'Everyone at Chelsea Football Club was very concerned to hear that John Mikel Obi's father has been reported as missing and possibly abducted.[LNB]'We will give Mikel and his family our full support at this most difficult time.' [LNB]
