AFCON Qualifiers: Eagles Star Ogu Makes U-turn On Boycott

• Offers apology, admits crossing the line

Super Eagles’ midfielder, John Ogu, has apologised for calling on his team mates to boycott the double-header 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Sierra Leone in November.

About a week ago, the 32-year-old player was all furious, urging his colleagues to shun national team invitation over the military shooting at peaceful protesters gathered at the Lekki Toll gate

With the alleged killings of protesters demanding an end to police brutality at the Lekki Toll Plaza last Tuesday, the former Hapoel Beer Sheva star took to social media in outrage.

Ogu, who was actively involved in the #EndSARS protest on Lagos’ streets, stated that ‘politicians should ask their children to represent the Super Eagles in the next upcoming games’ which are billed for next month.

However, in a dramatic twist of event, Ogu was all sober with an apology for his comments on Wednesday and he wants football to continue uniting the country in this crucial period.

According to Ogu, who featured in the 2019 AFCON Eagles that won bronze in Egypt; “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.”

His statement further said; “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.

“A national anthem and green and white flag that I have sung and carried all my life with joy and pride. I admit that I crossed the lines, by asking players to boycott the AFCON qualifiers.

“I have honoured all national team invitations with great joy and delight, with a deep desire to be part of a team that give joy to Nigerians and make them happy, football is the strongest unifying force in Nigeria.

“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.”

The Coach Gernot Rohr managed Super Eagles will resume competitive football at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin on November 13, 2020 when they take on their West African opponents, Sierra Leone

And four days later, the Nigerians will visit Free Town for a reverse fixture of the qualifiers. – With Goal.com reports