Father of Nigeria’s Super Eagles World Cup skipper John Obi Mikel, who was kidnapped last week, has been released.

Michael Obi was taken by his captors Thursday last week in Enugu, Southern Nigeria at gunpoint, but they did not hurt him.

They however forced him to walk barefoot for about five kilometers in heavy rain.

Enugu State police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu confirmed his release;

“Michael Obi, the father of the Super Eagles capatain, has regained his freedom,” Ebere was quoted saying by CGTN Africa.

To secure his dad’s freedom, the Chinese based midfielder had to part with $28,000.

It is reported that the kidnappers had threatened to shot dead Michael, who is in his sixties, if authorities were notified.

This is the second time the senior Obi  was being kidnapped as the first case happed in 2011 in the city of Jos.