Sports
NFF Celebrates Mikel’s Father’s Freedom
Monday’s night arrest in the ancient city of Kano of persons accused of kidnapping the father of Nigerian international midfielder, John Mikel Obi and the man’s release have been applauded by the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF).
NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, said on Monday night, that the Federation was proud of Nigeria’s security services and was happy that the bizarre saga had come to an end.
“We are happy that we are at the end of a very bizarre case, and also very happy that the elder Michael Obi gained his freedom in good health. The security services who worked assiduously to achieve this also deserve our extended applause.
“It is true that Mikel Obi had been playing for his club [Chelsea FC] in England despite the kidnap, but the trauma of knowing that an uncertain fate awaits your father can break any adult.
“Now, we can certainly hope for Mikel Obi to give his best when Nigeria plays Madagascar in a Cup of Nations qualifier in Antanarivo on September 3, and against Argentina in Bangladesh on September 6”, said Maigari.
The Kano State Police Command announced on Monday night that they had arrested a number of persons in connection with the incident, and that Mr. Michael Obi had regained his freedom.
The elder Obi was abducted on Friday, August 12, 2011 in Jos, Plateau State.
Vice president of the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC), Chief Solomon Ogba, foremost Sports Marketer and founder of Okpekpe Road Race, Mike Itemuagbor and top Sports Journalist and Media Strategist, Mitchel Obi have lent their voices in support of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF).
The personalities with backgrounds in sports administration, marketing and media spoke separately in commendation of the festival, an initiative of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) with Dunamis Icon as consultants.
“This is a positive addition to the evolving sports business ecosystem because it is not just a springboard for identifying talents, it also offers a platform to truly hone the skills of those already discovered”, remarked Obi, who served as Special Advisor to a former Sports Minister, late Anthony Ikhazabor.
He said the festival will be a flagship event in the region that would trigger interest in sports among the youths and people of the region.
Edo State-born Itemuagbor commended the NDDC for the decision to add sports in the list of their intervention projects in the region, adding that: “This speaks directly to the problem of youth restiveness which is of great concern to our people.”
Raphael Onyedika has now emerged as a major doubt for the Super Eagles’ must-win 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
The midfielder was forced out early from last week’s league game against Standard Liege.
He has not recovered from the injury and so will miss today’s league match against Gent and may also miss a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Aston Villa yesterday.
The Super Eagles take on Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, before they face Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later in crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Al-Khalood defender, William Troost-Ekong, has shared his experience on the difficulties of winning the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) while describing it a must win trophy.
The former Watford FC defender has competed in the tournament three times but has yet to lift the trophy.
“I’ve been there three times now, bronze medal, silver medal, but I haven’t had the chance to win it. That remains my ultimate goal,” he told Tidesports source.
“It means so much to me and all the kids growing up in Africa and Nigeria.”