Former Super Eagles player John Obi-Mikel has recounted how he successfully rescued his father from the clutches of kidnappers in 2018.

Sharing the ordeal in a recent interview with Dubai Eye 103.8 Sport, Mikel disclosed that he paid the abductors a “crazy” amount of money to get his dad back.

News of the ex-Chelsea player’s parent’s kidnap spread like wildfire back in 2018 just hours before the Super Eagles game against Argentina in Russia.

Mikel revealed that he got wind of the development along with his driver, Ishaya John, on the Markurdi-Enugu road.

He had to keep his emotions in check to focus on the game ahead, with thoughts of his father’s safety taking a back seat.

Pa Michael Obi

“I was emotionally distraught and I had to make the decision about whether I was mentally ready to play. I was confused.