#End SARS Protests: Boycott AFCON Qualifiers in Solidarity with Protests – John Ogu to Super Eagles players
Nigeria international midfielder, John Ogu has called on his Super Eagles teammates to boycott their upcoming African Cup Of Nations qualifiers in solidarity with #EndSARS protests in the country, and as a reaction for the shootings of unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll gate on Tuesday night, October 20.
It can be recalled that, Security Operatives allegedly shot at unarmed protesters at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos last Tuesday, killing some and injuring many. This has generated wide reaction and condemnation across the world.
Nigeria has AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone and Benin in November, and the Nigerian midfielder, 32, has asked his teammates to boycott these games in solidarity with #EndSARS protests going on in the country.
Ogu, who has 26 caps for the Super Eagles, passed these comments on the World Football show on BBC World Service radio.
He noted that; “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.”
