It must be a difficult thing serving your country whilst some barbarians from that same country kidnap one of the people dearest to you.

Nigeria U-23 coach Samson Siasia, had his mom kidnapped by gunmen in Bayelsa State. Three kidnappers captured the 72 year old Ogere Siasia in the former footballer’s home state.

Siasia was a Super Eagles regular for many years, before later transitioning into coaching, coaching the Super Eagles as well as currently handling Nigeria’s Olympic team- the Dream Team.

The coach implored the kidnappers to return his frail mom unharmed.

“I only beg them to please release her unhurt. I was told they shot sporadically into the air before taking her away on a motorcycle,” Samson Siasia told BBC Sport.

“We’ve not heard from them to know their motive, but right now I’m only concerned about her safety,” he added.

Siasia and his Olympic side are currently in the Gambia preparing for the CAF U-23 championship later this month. Kidnapping of the relatives of footballers is nothing new in Nigeria, as kidnappers try to make a big score with the ransom.