Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel father was kidnapped before facing Argentina on June 26 , he was aware he father was kidnapped but refuses to disclose it to anyone.
Mikel told KweséESPN that the kidnappers called four hours before Argentina match demanding a ransom of N10 million ($28,000 U.S.)
Mikel father was on his way to South East from His for a burial and he was kidnapped along the Makurdi-Enugu expressway on June 26.
He and his driver were rescued after a "gun duel" on Monday in Egede, near the city of Udi in Enugu State, Nigeria Police confirmed Tuesday.
The Enugu State Police Command through his official Twitter account, announces their release that was when Mikel opened up.
Senior Onions was then taking to the hospital for treat, according to reports from KweséESPN he was seriously injured.
Mikel, speaking to KweséESPN said that he didn't tell Super Eagles coach and team member till after the rescue to avoid distraction.
"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," Mikel said.
"I had to shut it out of my head and go and represent my country first. I was told that 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. So as much as I wanted to discuss it with the coach, I could not do it."
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