Ayomide Sotubo

The Super Eagles star, Jhon Ogu has sought to atone for his earlier comments in which he suggested that his fellow teammates in the national team stay away from playing for Eagles in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone.

In a prior tweet, the Super Eagles midfielder called on his national teammates to disobey the clarion’s call whilst demanding that the children of politicians took their place instead.

However, the midfielder tendered an apology on his Twitter page despite being touted as “irrelevant” by an unnamed Super Eagles official.

In his tweet, he said, “I want to sincerely apologize to Nigerians, the Nigerian Football Federation and the players of the Super Eagles both past and present and even those who dream to wear the Green and White Jersey that I wore with great pride and honor”.

“My comments about the Super Eagles boycotting the AFCON qualifiers were 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 a green and white flag that I have sung and carried all my life with joy and pride.”

“I admit that I cross the lines by asking players to boycott the AFCON qualifiers. I have honored all national team invitations with great joy and delight with a deep desire to be part of a team that gives joy to Nigerians and makes them happy. Football is the strongest unifying force in Nigeria.”

” I wish that my comments spoken out of anger would not cause more division in our football and even at a time such as this that the nation needs together”.

John Ogu made his first appearance for the Super Eagles in 2013 and has made 26 appearances for the national team since then.