- During a frightening break-in at his residence, Emelec defender Jackson Rodriguez's spouse and toddler son were abducted. It has been reported that the athlete allegedly took refuge beneath the bed.
- According to reports from Ecuador, his family was eventually rescued without harm after the kidnappers requested a $500,000 ransom.
- Star striker Asisat Oshoala from the Super Falcons has commented on her actions during an event that sparked discussions among fans.
The family of Ecuadorian soccer player Jackson Rodriguez, comprising his spouse and small child, fell victim to kidnapping amid a home intrusion on the morning of Wednesday, April 23.
The CS Emelec player informed authorities that he took cover beneath the bed when a gang of individuals wielding weapons and wearing masks entered his residence using a sledgehammer at approximately 2:50 a.m., located in the Mucho Lote 2 area.
The trespassers took jewelry and cash prior to kidnapping Rodríguez’s spouse and offspring.
Police rescue Rodriguez’s family
The Ecuadorian authorities have verified the safe recovery of Jackson Rodríguez’s family, who had been taken hostage at their home in Guayaquil.
As reported by The Times of India, Police Chief Pablo Dávila mentioned that the football player failed to meet the $500,000 ransom demand set by the abductors.
Davila verified that the mother and child were safe and had received proper medical care following their rescue.
They were allegedly discovered late Thursday, April 25, in a hazardous area of northwestern Guayaquil. The police chief stated through official channels. UK Outlet The Sun:
After a quick probe conducted by the Ecuadorian Police, we report the liberation of his spouse, Andrexy, along with Jackson Rodriguez's son.
Members of his family were taken hostage at home by criminals who requested a substantial amount of money for their return.
We have managed to keep them safe and unscathed following the treatments.
His team, Emelec, did not release an official statement after his experience as reported by Nogomania.
Oshoala, Others React
Six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, has reacted to Jackson Rodriguez’s decision to hide under the bed during the kidnapping of his family.
On a post on X, the Super Falcons forward shared an enigmatic message in her native language, indicating that the athlete opted for self-protection amid threats. Her statement was brief:
“Omo’lomo”.
Fans from Nigeria backed the statements made by the country's soccer player.
@UnlimitedEniola said:
I am certain you will defeat them.
@omonaa21 added:
Now he can gather the funds to release them.
@DISUIDRISOLAYI5 wrote:
I do not hold the man responsible; if something happens to him, his wife might remarry someone else, so he uses his intelligence.
@gem_ilm posited:
If they pack all of them, who will pay the money though?
Oshoala not included in the women's Ballon d'Or nominations
Diwida >.ng Earlier reports indicated that France Football unveiled the 30-player shortlist for the 2024 Women's Ballon d'Or, however, Nigeria’s Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala was not included in the lineup.
She was part of the Barcelona Feminino team that secured the 2023-24 treble, which includes winning La Liga Feminino, the UEFA Women's Champions League, and the Female Super Cup.
The ex-Liverpool forward managed one goal when Nigeria advanced to the 2023 FIFA World Cup round of 16 but did not manage to get a single shot on target during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
