John Obi Mikel's Father Kidnapped

[Mame Biram Diouf]

John Obi Mikel played for Chelsea on Sunday despite being informed that his father had been abducted.

The Blues midfielder was aware that his father had been kidnapped in his native Nigeria, but agreed to take part in a goalless draw with Stoke.

Michael Obi, who runs an interstate transport company in Jos, went missing on Friday.

Various efforts to make contact with him came to nothing, with his mobile phone becoming unreachable on Saturday.

Mikel's representatives, Sport Entertainment and Media Group, made him aware of the situation, allowing him to make a decision on his involvement at the Britannia Stadium.

A statement from 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."

Devastated

Mikel's personal advisor John Ola Shittu praised his client for the character he showed in turning out against the Potters.

"He is totally devastated. We were not sure whether to tell him before the game," he told KickOffNigeria.com.

"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.

"He was under a lot of stress but he showed a lot of character and mental strength to play against Stoke."

Mikel is not the first Premier League player to have a family member abducted in Nigeria.

In July 2008 the elder brother of Everton defender Joseph Yobo was kidnapped in Port Harcourt.

Nornu Yobo was released after 10 days but it was never made clear whether a ransom was paid.

He found out on Friday and still put in a performance against Stoke

Hope hes found another and his career doesn't do a Wilson Palacios

Guy has improved bare in last couple seasons

[Mr. Gayle]

Damn just heard on TalkSport

f*ckED

[Reuben]

should pay some mercenaries to head top the nappers.

[Sinister]

f*ckery

Hope he gets found

[Mame Biram Diouf]

Has he been found yet?

[CarltonLeach]

Has he been found yet?

Them sleepless nights there

[Mame Biram Diouf]

Got my dressing and sippers on cup of hot chocolate and your mums profilepic page waiting for the all clear

[Sinister]

Not found yet and his Mother has said they have not received a ransom note.

I hope its not bad news.

[scared of who?]

Nigerian police confirm to the BBC that they have found John Mikel Obi's father alive and well in Kano. #Chelsea #cfc

[JOHN DOE]

Nigerian police confirm to the BBC that they have found John Mikel Obi's father alive and well in Kano. #Chelsea #cfc

a better man than me can make a joke from this

[Guest haze-e]

Lol. I read it and auto said No homo.

[MARVELL]

big up to the nigerian 419 ooops i mean Immigration....sorry i mean FBI squad

[Fighting Weight]

Lol at 419ing your own son, son.