By Oyinlola Awonuga (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment, Fashion and Sports Desk)
Nigerian professional midfielder John Ogu has called on his teammates in the national team to boycott the upcoming games in protest against the government following the Lekki shootings on Tuesday, October 20, 2020.
The 32-year-old has however called his teammates not to honour the clash, in view of the recent unrest in Nigeria.
Protests against the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have been held across major ground in the country for over two weeks now.
The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, will take on Sierra Leone in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.
On Tuesday, October 20, it was reportedly gathered that men in military camouflage shot at protesters at Lekki toll gate in Lagos, killing over 12 people, according to Amnesty International, which has generated wide condemnation across the world.
Ogu, who has 26 caps for the Super Eagles, has urged his teammates not to honour Nigeria’s upcoming matches in protest to the incident.
Ogu in his words said: “What is the point in representing the country if this is what the politicians, the people we’re representing, can do to us?” he told the World Football show on BBC World Service radio.
“I feel like this is the best thing to do right now until they get back to their senses and listen to us.
“We want a good government, the police brutality to stop, we want the SARS to stop, we want the killings to stop, we want good laws, we want job opportunities. It’s just crazy.
“I believe most of my colleagues understand where I am coming from, I wish we can do this. There are games coming up and if we boycott these games I’m sure they will know we’ve made a statement.
“I haven’t really spoken to any of my team-mates about this. They feel for the people here, their loved ones, those that have died. I’m sure the players are aware.”
Ogu has earned 26 caps for the Super Eagles and currently in Lagos after leaving Saudi Arabian club Al-Adalah in September.
Ogu in a related post on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 on his official Twitter account @ogujohnugo said politicians should ask their children to represent Super Eagles in upcoming games.
In his words:”The Politicians should asked their children to go and represent Nigeria in the next @NGSuperEagles , @thenff upcoming games . 💔💔💔”
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