John Mikel Obi, who plays for Chelsea, insisted on playing in Sunday's goalless draw at Stoke City even though his father Michael was seized on Friday.
In a statement, Mikel's representatives Sport Entertainment and Media Group said: 'SEM confirms that client John Mikel Obi's father was abducted in Nigeria on Friday, August 10.
'Thus far no ransom (demand) has been received. Mikel was informed by his manager prior to the Stoke v Chelsea match and decided to play so as not to let down his team and family.'
Under stress: Left, Chelsea star John Mikel Obi, who played this weekend even though his father had been abducted in Nigeria left, with his agent John Shittu
Mikel's agent John Ola Shittu praised his client for the character he showed in turning out against Stoke.
'He is totally devastated. We were not sure whether to tell him before the game,' he told KickOffNigeria.com.
'But after speaking to the manager (Andre Villas-Boas) and Mike Emenalo (Chelsea's sporting director) we agreed that he had a right to be informed of such a serious incident.?Driving ban for Premier League manager who claimed his drink was spiked... he'd only had two and a half glasses of red wine and a beer
'He was under a lot of stress but he showed a lot of character and mental strength to play against Stoke.'
Shittu added: 'It's been tough for the young man.
'The family in Jos reported him missing at the police station as expected but we're taking all necessary measures to find him.
Playing on: Mikel pictured during the match against Stoke City on Sunday
'We've told him to be brave and to stay calm.'
Mikel is not the first Barclays Premier League player to have a family member abducted in Nigeria.
In July 2008 the elder brother of Everton defender Joseph Yobo was kidnapped in Port Harcourt.
Nornu Yobo was released after 10 days but it was never made clear whether a ransom was paid.
Chelsea offered Mikel their support in a statement, which read: 'Everyone at Chelsea Football Club was very concerned to hear that John Mikel Obi's father has been reported as missing and possibly abducted.
'We will give Mikel and his family our full support at this most difficult time.'?
Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail