Super Eagles midfielder, John Ogu has come out to apologize for asking his teammates to boycott the double-header 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone in November amid the #EndSARS protests.
He recently revealed that he is sorry he felt that way but he now wants football to continue to unite the country in this difficult period.
According to him, he simply said what he said in the heat of the moment from a place of pain, frustration and anger because of the shooting of harmless citizens at the Lekki toll gate.
He added that he admits he crossed the line but he is more focused on the nation pulling together right now.
His words, “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,”
“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.”
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