If you are following FIFA World Cup, then you already know that Nigeria faced Argentina in the World Cup group match last Tuesday. Despite losing it 1-2, it gave a tough fight to the much-fancied opponents. However, there is something we don’t know about Nigerian captain Mikel John Obi. And you will be amazed at his strong determination levels after knowing that “something”. John Obi played the game with the knowledge that his father was held captive by kidnappers.
Yes. If something happens to our loved ones, we can’t bear that mental torture. We will not be able to concentrate on any kind of work. And if we are not sure about their return, then that mental stress is unexplainable. And John Obi played well bearing that mental torture.
Kidnappers Threatened Him
“I played while my father was in the hands of bandits. Had to suppress the trauma. I took a call four hours before kick-off to tell me what had happened,” he said.
He can’t inform authorities as the kidnappers had threatened him that they will shoot his father dead if the news was made public. He was ‘distraught’ and ‘had to make the decision about whether he was mentally ready to play’.
“I did not know what to do but, in the end, I knew that I could not let 180 million Nigerians down. I had to shut it out of my head and go and represent my country first. Could not even inform the coaches or NFF staff and only a very tight circle of my friends knew,” he said.
He kept things to himself as it would become a distraction to the coach or the rest of the team on the day of such an important game.
John Obi led the team with full commitment despite going through such personal tragedy. Due to the late goal by Marcos Rojo, the team couldn’t get qualified for round 16.
The good news is, his father was released yesterday and is now in the hospital, receiving treatment for the torture he received during his capture.
The kind of dedication John Obi showed is something unexplainable. Not everyone is blessed with such tremendous dedication levels. Universe bows down before those who possess qualities like strong tremendous determination, patience, dedication, and sincerity. He stood for selflessness and commitment. What do you say about this incident? Share us in the comments. And there are the most shocking matches in the history of FIFA World Cup. Check out here.
