'Sizeable' ransom demanded for Mikel's father

A "sizeable" ransom has been demanded by the kidnappers of John Obi Mikel's father, the Chelsea midfielder's representatives confirmed today.

But the Sport Entertainment and Media Group (SEM) denied reports £80,000 was being sought for the release of Michael Obi, who was abducted in his native Nigeria last week.

SEM also confirmed Mikel had made himself available for Chelsea's Barclays Premier League game with West Brom on Saturday, having also played in last weekend's season opener at Stoke after learning of his father's kidnapping.