Share
21st February 2011
11:02am GMT
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel played against Stoke yesterday despite being informed his father had been abducted in his homeland.
Mikel opted to take part in the goalless draw at the Britannia after finding out his father went missing on Friday.
Numerous efforts to make contact with Michael Obi, who runs an interstate transport company in Jos, came to nothing, with his mobile phone becoming unreachable on Saturday.
A statement from Mikel's representatives, Sport Entertainment and Media, (SEM) read: "SEM confirms that client John Obi Mikel's father was abducted in Nigeria on Friday, August 10.
"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."
The Chelsea player's agent John Ola Shittu said that the family are remaining hopeful that Michael is safe and well.
"It's been tough for the young man," Shittu said.
"The family in Jos reported him missing at the police station as expected but we're taking all necessary measures to find him.
"We've told him to be brave and to stay calm."
