Nigerian Football

AFTER KIDNAP, FREED OBODO NOW FEEL UNSAFE IN FATHERLAND

Published

4 years ago

November 16, 2020

Former Nigeria international footballer, Christian Obodo has regained his freedom after his second kidnap. According to a BBC report Obodo is left traumatised after he was kidnapped in the Nigeria’s oil-rich Delta State for the second time in eight years.

The 36-year-old, who spent over a decade in the Italy’s Serie A, was dragged from his car by unknown gunmen on Sunday after parking to buy fruit in the southern city of Warri.

“I was forcefully taken at gunpoint on refinery road not too far from my house, blindfolded and forced into the passenger seat of my car,” Obodo told BBC Sport Africa, as he revealed dramatic details of his seizure.

“They started punching me and one of them threatened to shoot me in the head if I don’t stay calm and quiet, it was at this point that I explained to them who I was and probably not who they were looking for.

“One of them recognised my name as the footballer, that was when I knew I wasn’t targeted, but randomly picked up by these guys.

“It was really traumatising because the motives were unclear and being subjected to another abduction is very cruel.

“They took my diamond earrings, wrist watch, necklace and demanded for money, but I told them I only had my bank cards.”

To make things even worse for Obodo he was locked in the boot of his car as his abductors decided to empty his account.

“I was kept in my boot for more than four hours. They started emptying my accounts using my two unlimited cards,” he said.

“They were driving me to different places, I didn’t even know we were still in Delta State. You can tell they are highly experienced in these card transactions.

“They were taking out cash endlessly and took their time with different transactions by removing unlimited cash whilst I was locked up in my boot.

“After they realised they couldn’t take out more cash they drove me into a dark spot, where I was dumped later that night and was allowed to leave.”

It is the second time the former Perugia, Lecce and Fiorentina player has been kidnapped in his hometown, with the first taking place in June 2012 while he played for Udinese.

***Christian Obodo was locked in the trunk of his own car as the kidnappers drove around making use of his credit cards***

Obodo said while this latest incident was random, the trauma has left him broken and feeling unsafe in his country.

“It’s sad to say that I no longer feel safe anymore,” he told BBC Sport.

“Just to park on the road to buy my mother apple and water melon, only to be seized at gunpoint.

“Imagine travelling on the road where you are all alone. A lot has to be done with security across the country for citizens to feel safe.

“I may have lost money and things money can buy, but now I fear that one day one could lose his life to gun-wielding people who might kill you for not having anything they want.”

History of abduction

Kidnappings – more often of oil workers, the rich and famous – are a regular occurrence in Nigeria, but footballers and their families are increasingly being targeted.

In March 2019, the mother of Nigeria international Samuel Kalu was released after being held by gunmen for six days.

It came almost a year after former Chelseas and Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi’s father was kidnapped for the second time in seven years in June 2018, before being released after a ransom of 10 million naira (about $27,500) was paid.

Back in 2007, France-based defender Onyekachi Apam was kidnapped by armed men who took his car before releasing him.

A year later, the elder brother of Everton defender, Joseph Yobo was kidnapped in oil-rich Port Harcourt before being released 10 days later.

-BBC

Nigerian Football

Away two-goal specialists, Remo Stars win in Kano to stay atop

Published

3 hours ago

September 22, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Remo Stars continued their good form in the Nigeria domestic league as they snatched another 2-0 away win against one of the traditional strong sides, Kano Pillars on Sunday.

They had earlier had another 2-0 away win when they defeated Abia Warriors in Umuahia two weeks ago. With Sunday’s win, they remain on top of the log with their nine points and five goals.

They are yet to concede any goal this season. On Sunday, Sodiq Ismail put Remo Stars in front after 26 minutes. Togolese import, Franck Mawuena doubled the lead in the 60^th minute.

In another encounter, Niger Tornadoes pulled a major upset, winning 2-1 away from home as they beat former Nigerian champions, Plateau United. Ifeanyi Okechukwu put the visitors ahead in the 17^th minute. They doubled theit lead in the fourth minute of added time of the second half through Kufre Ebong.

A minute later, Pam Samuel scored a consolatory goal for Plateau United. Hearrtland of Owerri continued their winless run as they played a goalless draw at home with visiting Katsina United.

Sunshine Stars also played 0-0 with Abia Warriors.

Nigerian Football

Remo Stars win Star War against Sunshine Stars to take temporary NPFL lead

Published

1 week ago

September 14, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Remo Stars on Saturday made it two straight wins in the Nigeria Premier League after labouring to a 1-0 defeat of Sunshine Stars of Akure to follow-up their last weekend 2-0 away win over Abia Warriors.

On Saturday, under eight minutes they shot ahead through Shuaibu Ibrahim. That was where the story ended as Sunshine Stars came up strongly and almost stalemated scores.

The win, though narrow, is enough to temporarily take Remo Stars to the top of the log after two games.

They are followed by Rivers United who beat Heartland 3-1. It is the second consecutive 3-1 loss that Heartland are getting in the two-week old season.

The situation could change on Sunday when other matches are played.

On the card are: Akwa United hosting Abia Warriors while Kano Pillars will be away to Bayelsa United.

Katsina United host Bendel Insurance and Niger Tornadoes will be home to Nasarawa United. Shooting Stars will host Plateau United.

Nigerian Football

Westerhof recommends Siasia for Super Eagles’ job

Published

2 weeks ago

September 11, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Clemens Westerhof and Samson Siasia in London

BY KUNLE SOLAJA, who was in Arnhem, Netherlands.

Former Nigeria manager, Clemens Westerhof has recommended one of his former players, Samson Siasia as the substantial coach for the Super Eagles.

Siasia was one of his players of the famed golden generation of the Super Eagles.

“I called him last month to greet him for his birthday and also to celebrate with him for the end of his five-year ban”, Westerhof told Sports Village Square at his house in Arnhem in the Netherlands.

According to him, Siasia is just like Keshi and that he has the capacity to turn the Super Eagles around for the better. Westerhof, the author of the famed ‘Golden Generation’ of the Super Eagles made his suggestion shortly after Germany’s Bruce Labbadia turned down the Nigerian job offer.

Westerhof remarked that he was surprised about the choice of Labbadia in the first instance and that the now Mali coach, Tom Saintfiet who is his friend could have been a better choice.

Saintfiet, a Belgian, was speculated among the coaches initially short-listed for the Super Eagles’ job. But Westerhof, before the naming of Austin Eguavoen, another member of his famous 1994 squad, strongly back Siasia for the job.

He remarked that he was in touch with the former striker as well as Austin Okocha whom he met with in London recently.

To Westerhof, Siasia has the same quality like Stephen Keshi to handle the Super Eagles. “He has done it before and I think he can still do it.”