October 23 – Nigeria midfielder John Ogu is the latest footballer to denounce the police brutality going on in his country and has called for a boycott of all upcoming games.
Ogu, who has 26 caps and was an unused substitute in Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup games, said a boycott would “make a statement”.
His comments follow those of Manchester United’s Nigerian forward Odion Ighalo who described his country’s government “a shame to the world”.
Amnesty International says security forces killed at least 12 people on Tuesday but despite an obvious crackdown in Lagos, Nigeria’s army has denied killing demonstrators who have been protesting against the notorious police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars).
The unit was disbanded on October 11, according to the government, but the protests have continued and the country’s President Muhammadu Buhari has urged demonstrators to stop.
Nigeria have Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November and Ogus said that even if the country lost its place in the tournament “it would be a price worth paying”.
“What is the point in representing the country if this is what the politicians, the people we’re representing, can do to us?” Ogu, 32, told the BBC. “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.”
Ogu is back in Lagos having left Saudi Arabian club Al-Adalah in September. “In Lagos it’s brutal now. Burning banks, cars, police stations. It’s dangerous to go out. The country is a shambles,” he said. “If this thing continues to next month we won’t play. How can I go to the national team to represent my country to represent the government and the people when I think of the lost souls of those who have been killed?”
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