Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel is praying for the release and safe return of the kidnapped girls of Chibok, Borno State, who have been held for more than 90 days by the Boko Haram sect.

More than 200 secondary school girls were taken from their dormitory as they prepared for their final exams in April in the north eastern Nigeria town.

The Chelsea star was pictured carrying a cardboard with the popular #BringBackOurGirls hash tag on his club’s official Twitter account on May 14, but spoke about the issue publicly for the first time on Monday.  

“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 by Goal 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. It is such positive ending he hopes 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, whose appearance in an Amstel commercial chronicled his early struggles as a young footballer.

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 Les Bleus where he struggled to impose himself on the encounter.

http://m.goal.com/s/en-ng/news/4959665?ICID=HP_HN_1

I prayed too... [b][/b]

At least his reasoning isn't SLOW

Good to know,but he should also pray for his dwindling performance too..