Mikel agony as father goes missing in Nigeria

Last updated : 15 August 2011 By Daily Mail

The midfielder's father, Michael, runs a interstate transport company in Jos and failed to to return home from work on Friday evening.

Calls to his mobile phone were not answered on Friday and then on Saturday the phone was no longer reachable.

Playing on: John Obi Mikel played 90 minutes for Chelsea in the goalless draw at Stoke

Mikel was told about the situation on Saturday morning before travelling to the Potteries for the Premier League opener at the Britannia Stadium.

Mikel's manager, John Shittu, said that at the moment it was unclear if the players' father had been abducted.

He told KickOffNigeria.com: 'At the moment we have not heard from Mikel's father, or anyone else, so we don't know what it is. At this point, we only consider him missing.

Difficult time: Mikel is devastated at his father's disappearance

'He (Mikel) is totally devastated. We were not sure whether to tell him before the game.

'But after speaking to the manager, and (Chelsea coach) Mike Emenalo, we agreed that he had a right to be informed if 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.'

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Source: Daily Mail

Source: Daily Mail