Super Eagles skipper, Mikel Obi, has opened up about his ordeal when his father, Pa Michael Obi, was kidnapped while he represented the country in Russia.
Mikel’s dad was abducted for the second time in seven years at a time he was leading the nation at the World Cup.
The news reached the 31-year-old after the 2-0 victory over Iceland, where he broke an arm.
The bandits, who pretended to be police, took Obi when he was on his way to a funeral.
Mikel opted not to tell teammates through fear of affecting their focus on their crucial Group D match with Argentina.
He told SunSport: “I was told 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.
“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.”
Nigeria were knocked out of the World Cup after defeat to Argentina on Tuesday.
Police rescued Mikel’s father on Monday evening, six days after he had been kidnapped.
Reports claim there was a gun fight between police and his Pa Michael’s captors, and police have appealed for anyone local who witnesses anyone with new bullet wounds to come forward.
The Tiajin TEDA star was grateful to the Nigerian Police.
Mikel said: “Thankfully he is now safely released.
“I thank the police authorities for their rescue efforts and support from friends and family.”
