Although a ransom demand had not been received on Monday night the Chelsea midfielder is convinced the kidnappers targeted his father specfically.
He told Sky Sports News: 'They definitely know who I am. I was born in Jos and grew up there. They will know who my dad is and who I am.'
Playing on: John Mikel Obi lined up for Chelsea knowing about his father
Mikel was ranked as the seventh highest-paid African footballer playing abroad in a recent survey, with an estimated annual salary of ?3.5million.
Chelsea boss Andre Villas- Boas brokethe shocking news of the kidnap to his player on Saturday afternoon, but Mikel decided to play in the 0-0 drawto avoid 'letting down his team-mates, club and family'.
The 24-year-old only confided in close friend Salomon Kalou as he did not want to distract the club's other players.
Mikel said: 'I got the message on Saturday afternoon after training. The manager said, 'There's a situation. Your dad is missing'.
'I didn't know about it and my family wanted to wait until after the game to tell me, but the manager said, 'Mikel has to know'.
'I was kind of shocked. He (Villas-Boas) asked me what I wanted to do and I said I wanted a couple of hours to speak to my family and my agent.
Proud: John Mikel Obi representing Nigeria
'It was really difficult on Sunday. Isaid I wanted to play the game I didn't want to let my team-mates andclub down, or my family.
'If I didn't play I think my dad would be very, very sad. I spoke to my mum before the game. She said to just go out there and be strong and help the club.
'My team-mates don't really know about it. I don't want people coming to me and saying, 'Sorry, Mikel'. Ijust wanted to get on and play the game.'
Michael Obi, who runs a transport company in Jos, central Nigeria, has not been seen since Friday.
Mikel will stay in England for his own security, but appealed for his father's urgent release. He said: 'I've always tried to help my country and I think it'stime for the country to help me.
'Whoever's got my dad or knows where my dad is should please contact me. Just let him go. My dad's never doneany harm to anyone, as far as I know.
'My family, and my mum especially, have been very sad and devastated about the situation.
Tough job: Andre Villas-Boas had to break the bad news to John Mikel Obi
'This is just such a shock to me. Me and my younger brother, we just can't believe it. I just don't know what to do.'
Last night there had been no communication from Mikel's father and the player added: 'I really don't have any idea of who has taken my dad away. I think this happens a lot in other parts of Nigeria but my dad is the first (to be taken from Jos).
'It's a very safe place. There have never been situations like this before. It's surprised everyone.
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Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail