#EndSARS: John Ogu tells Super Eagles players to boycott AFCON qualifiers in solidarity with protests

Nigeria international midfielder, John Ogu has called on his teammates in the Super Eagles to boycott their upcoming African Cup Of Nations games in protest against the Federal government as a reaction to the shootings of unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll gate on Tuesday night, October 20.

On Tuesday, October 20, security operatives shot at protesters at Lekki toll gate in Lagos, which has generated wide condemnation across the world.

Nigeria will take on Sierra Leone in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November in Benin and Ogu, 32, has called for his teammates not to honour the clash, in solidarity with #endSARS protests happening in the country.

Ogu, who has 26 caps for the Super Eagles, said to the World Football show on BBC World Service radio.

“What is the point in representing the country if this is what the politicians, the people we’re representing, can do to us?”
“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.”