Rohr reveals that Mikel kept the news of his dad's kidnapping secret during World Cup games

SUPER Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has revealed that skipper Mikel Obi did not inform him of the fact that his father had been abducted and the kidnappers had contacted him just a few hours before the Argentina match.

 

Last week, Mikel's father known as Pa Michael Obi, was kidnapped by armed gunmen along with his driver in Enugu State while on his way from the Plateau State capital Jos. Apparently, the kidnappers got in touch with Mikel about two hours before the Argentina match demanding a ransom of $28,000 and threatening to kill their victim if word about the kidnapping leaked.

 

According to Mr Rohr, Mikel kept the information to himself, not telling anyone about it and proceeded to play against Argentina. giving everything in the match. On Monday this week, Pa Obi was freed by the men of the Enugu State Police Command and Mr Rohr said that it was only then that he found out about the kidnapping.

 

Coach Rohr said: “I was very surprised to hear this as I did not know about it because he did not tell me. However, it shows that he has good mental strength to be able to play in this situation, he is a real leader,”

 

“If I known about it, I would let him decide, no pressure. I have full confidence in him to make the best decision for himself, his family and his country but it is shocking that such a thing happens to anybody and to somebody who represents his country.”

 

Since news of the kidnapping broke, Nigerians have taken to social media to applaud Mikel 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 for him.

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