Mikel Obi To Rescue Kidnapped Chibok Girls If He Knows Where They Are

Footballer Mikel Obi says his thoughts are with the families of abducted Chibok girls who have been held by Boko Haram for more than three months in the Sambisa Forest.

According to Nigeria midfielder Mikel Obi, he is praying for the release and safe return of the kidnapped girls.

In May, the Chelsea star joined #BringBackOurGirls campaign by posting his picture where he carries a cardboard with the popular #BringBackOurGirls hash tag, but he spoke about the issue publicly for the first time on Monday, July 14.

"I wish I knew where those girls are, I would go there, pick them up and bring them back but it’s out of my hands," Mikel said, while responding to a question at a soiree by Amstel Malta in Lagos.

In August 2011, Mikel’s dad was kidnapped in Jos but released after about 10 days in captivity. Thus, he hopes the same will happen to the girls of Chibok.

"We will keep praying and keep hoping that [the girls] are all safe and they will return to their families," said the midfielder.

The 27-year-old helped Nigeria reach the second round of the World Cup in Brazil before losing 2-0 to France.

He was named man of the match in their first game against Iran but came under criticism after the final match against France where he struggled to impose himself on the encounter.