NAN – The kidnappers of Super Eagles and Udinese midfielder, Christian Obodo, have demanded 150,000 euros (N28 million) ransom for his release.

The footballer was kidnapped by four gunmen on Saturday in front of a church in Effurun, Warri, Delta State by four gunmen.

The midfielder was driving in the car with a customised plate number ‘Obodo 5′ around 9.20a.m on Jakpa Road when the kidnappers blocked his car and seized him.

They had been tailing the footballer who was said to have gone clubbing in Warri on Friday night.

The gunmen left his car in front of the church at New Layout, Effurun and took him away in their own car.

The 28-year-old played on loan last season at Lecce.

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, confirmed the incident.

He said the matter was being investigated.

Also, an official of the state government, who didn’t want to be named, said, “Yes he has been kidnapped. The details are still sketchy but I was told he was on his way to church this (Saturday) morning with his car that has registration number ‘Obodo 5.’

“Apparently his car’s registration may have attracted his kidnappers because he went clubbing last (Friday) night in the same car.”

Later in the day, his kidnappers got in touch with his family, advising them to provide N28m to ensure his quick release.

His brother-in-law, Obidike Okechukwu, confirmed the demand, saying negotiations were ongoing.

Obodo’s kidnap is the first high-profile abduction of a footballer in Nigeria.

Last year, two soldiers and some civilians were indicted in the kidnap of the father of Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, in Jos.