Mikel Obi Narrates How Russia’s Roman Abramovich Offered to Send People to Rescue Kidnapped Dad

• Mikel Obi was left overwhelmed after learning that his father had been kidnapped a second time
• Having spent 10 days in the kidnapper’s den in 2011, Pa Michael Obi was abducted again in 2018
• Mikel explained that Russian oligarch, Roman Abramovich had offered to help him rescue his dad

Former Nigerian international, Mikel Obi has narrated how former Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich offered to send people to help rescue his kidnapped father.

In 2018, Pa Michael Obi was held captive by unknown gunmen, with the kidnappers requesting a huge ransom. It was the second time he was kidnapped, having been held for 10 days in 2011.

Mikel explained that he was informed of the situation barely two hours before Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup game against Argentina.

He disclosed that the phone call from his brother left him devastated and unsettled, as he was confused about what to do at that moment.

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Mikel recounted that as one of the most challenging moments of his life in an interview with Jim White and Simon Jordan on talkSPORT.

"My dad got kidnapped while I was playing for the national team at the World Cup 2018 in Russia, and we were about to play against Argentina [in the final match of the group stages].

"That was absolutely shocking. The first time was shocking, but the second time was even more shocking because I was about to go into one of the biggest games of my life."

The Nigerian legend recalled Abrahimovich asking if he wanted people sent over to assist.

"I remember Roman saying... 'Because I know if I send people over, I can get your dad out'. I was like, 'How are you going to do this?' He said, 'Don't worry about that. Just let me, if you want that option, I can do it'."

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Pa Obi was later freed after police officials raided a neighbourhood in the city of Kano, Nigeria, with five people arrested during the operation.

Mikel speaks on joining Chelsea

Sports Brief previously reported on Mikel discussing his infamous transfer saga involving English clubs, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Shortly before the 2005 U20 World Cup, he was said to have had an agreement with the Old Trafford side but ended up at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel has explained that he chose to join the Blues over the Red Devils because he wanted to be at a team where he could create history.