Nigeria and Chelsea star John Obi Mikel's father has been kidnapped in Nigeria, according to his management.

Michael Obi has not been seen or heard from since he failed to return home from work on Friday in Jos, the capital of central Nigerian Plateau state.

"John Obi Mikel's father was abducted in Nigeria on Friday," SEM Group said on Twitter.

The player was told before Sunday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Stoke City, but decided to play.

SEM said no ransom demand had yet been received and that Obi had decided to play in the match "so as not to let down his team and family".

His family told the BBC that they have had no contact with Obi senior but believe he is "safe and well".

The Chelsea player's agent John Ola Shittu said that everybody in the family remains hopeful.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14528369.stm