29th October, 2020
By Taiwo Okanlawon
Nigeria midfielder, John Ogu, has apologised for calling on his team-mates to boycott the two 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone in November.
Ogu made the demand following the killings of peaceful #EndSARS protesters who were demanding an end to police brutality at the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20.
The former Hapoel Beer Sheva star took to social media to state that “politicians should ask their children to represent the Super Eagles in the next upcoming games”.
The 32-year-old has now tendered an apology for his comments on Wednesday.
“I want to sincerely apologise to Nigerians, the Nigerian Football Federation and the players of the Super Eagles, both past and present and even those dreaming to wear the green and white jersey that I wore with great pride and honour,” the statement read.
“My comments about the Super Eagles boycotting the AFCON qualifiers, was said in the heat of the moment from a place of pain, frustration and anger for the shooting of harmless, flag carrying and national anthem singing Nigerians, at the Lekki toll gate,” the statement read in part.
Ogu added that: “I wish that my comments that were spoken out of anger and pain would not cause more division in our football and even at a time such as this that the nation needs to pull together. Thank you.”
GOD BLESS NIGERIA 🇳🇬. pic.twitter.com/vgcXpoCmN6
— John Ogu (@ogujohnugo) October 28, 2020