Super Eagles threatens to boycott fixtures over #EndSARS protests

The Super Eagles could boycott its upcoming fixture against Sierra Leone over the unrest in the country.

Nigerian international John Ogu believes that the best thing the Super Eagles can do to help amplify the voice of the #EndSARS protesters is to boycott the nation’s African Cup of Nations qualifying games against Sierra Leone in November, Soccernet.ng said.

Nigerian youths in their thousands took to the streets, every day for almost two weeks, across the country to voice their discontent against police brutality and bad governance.

According to Soccernet.ng, several Super Eagles stars, including Victor Osimhen, Simy Nwankwo, and Wilfred Ndidi, have shown support to the protesters with the Italy-based strikers displaying #EndPoliceBrutalityInNigeria inscribed shirts after scoring in the Serie A last weekend.

Even Ogu, presently in Lagos after quitting Saudi Arabian club Al-Adalah in September, has joined in the peaceful protests a few times.

But following the hijacking of the protests by hoodlums, the Lagos state government declared a curfew, which protesters at Lekki and Alausa areas defied.

The government responded by sending military men whose use of brute force led to the death of several protesters, with countless others injured.

The horrific incident has drawn a wide range of backlash from world leaders, influential persons, and a few Nigerian footballers, including Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo.

Ogu, however, wants the anger shown by his international teammates to be channelled into making a clear ‘statement’.

“I believe most of my colleagues understand where I am coming from, I wish we can do this,” the 32-year-old told the World Football show on BBC World Service radio.

“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.

“In Lagos, it’s brutal now. Burning banks, cars, police stations. It’s dangerous to go out. The country is a shambles.

“I’ve been in the protests six or seven times. It’s always peaceful.

#EndSarsNow #EndBadGovernmentinNIGERIA #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigeria #EndSWAT #SarsMustGo pic.twitter.com/dOy0lC3OJ2

— John Ogu (@ogujohnugo) October 18, 2020