John Obi Mikel has revealed that his father’s abduction in 2018—while Mikel was with the national team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia—prompted an extraordinary offer from former Chelsea F.C. owner Roman Abramovich.
Mikel explained that just hours before Nigeria’s group-stage match versus Lionel Messi’s Argentina, he received word that his father, Pa Michael Obi, had been abducted for a second time.
At that moment, Chelsea and Abramovich stepped in, with Abramovich reportedly saying: “Do you want me to send people over? Because I know if I send people over, I can get your dad out.”
Though Mikel was skeptical (“How are you going to do this?” he asked), Abramovich replied: “Don’t worry about that. Just let me know if you want that option.”
Mikel also drew a parallel to Luis Díaz’s situation—whose father was abducted in Colombia—acknowledging the helplessness one faces when loved ones are held at gunpoint and one’s only option is to wait.
Eventually, his father was released after payments and negotiation, though Mikel emphasises the gravity of the ordeal and the support he received—from his club, his family, and Abramovich.