Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has launched a stinging criticism of the government in his native Nigeria, after reports of police brutality and killings outside Lagos.
Amnesty International said it had credible reports of deaths, with police believed to have opened fire on protestors in Lekki in the outskirts of Nigeria's capital.
A curfew has been imposed on Lagos and other regions in Africa's largest country, with Ighalo posting a video message on social media after Manchester United's 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain last night in the Champions League.
At the time of writing Ighalo's video had been viewed 3.1 million times on Twitter.
Protests began two weeks ago over the role of a police unit called the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Rights groups have accused the unit of extortion, harassment, torture and murders.
Pray for NIGERIA🇳🇬✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/V7i4Ngs9qd
— Odion Jude Ighalo (@ighalojude) October 20, 2020
In the recorded message on the Parc des Princes pitch, the 35-times capped international said he felt he had to speak out.
"I'm sad and I don't know where to start from. I'm not the kind of guy who talks about politics - but I can't keep quiet anymore about what is going on back home in Nigeria.
"I would say [to the] government are a shame to the world - for killing your own citizens, sending military to the streets, to kill [unarmed] protesters because they are protesting for their rights. It's uncalled for.
"Today, 20th of October 2020, you people will be remembered in the history as the first government to send military to the city to start killing their own citizens.
"I am ashamed of this government. I am tired of you guys. I can't take this anymore.
"I'm calling [on] the UK government, calling all those leaders in the world to please see what is going on in Nigeria and help us - help the poor citizens.
"The government are killing their own citizens. We are calling [the world's governments], the United Nations, to see to the matter.
Change will happen!
It’s time 🇳🇬 https://t.co/T4AJYJQHPk— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) October 21, 2020
"I want to tell my brothers and sisters back home to remain safe. Be indoors, please don't come [outside]. Because this government are killers and they will keep killing if the world does not talk about this.
"God bless you all. Remain safe. One Nigeria."
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand also referenced the harrowing scenes in Nigeria after last night's match on social media.
"After coming out of the studio positive with Manchester United’s win... I’ve gone online & seen some horrific video’s of the scenes in Nigeria... please stay safe my friends over there, I am praying for you! This needs to stop."
World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has also spoken out against the violence, and expressed his horror at what he had been seeing and hearing.
"The situation has escalated, the violence and killings are horrendous. All because of people saying they want to live in peace?
"I pray God opens the gates for the heroes of Nigeria! This was never a trend for me! It's real life and I want to learn how to make lasting change.
"I'm looking at hospitals to support, along with food and care packages in the time being. Change will happen."
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