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Ogu played England at Wembley in 2018, but was an unused substitute in all of Nigeria’s matches at the World Cup that year.
Nigerian midfielder John Ogu has called on his team to boycott upcoming matches in protest against the country’s government.
Ogu, who has 26 caps, said a boycott “would make a statement.”
On Tuesday, Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo called his country’s government “an embarrassment to the world.”
There have been weeks of protests in Nigeria, mostly young people demanding the dissolution of a notorious police unit, the Special Anti-Theft Squad (Sars).
The Nigerian military has denied killing protesters and the country’s President Muhammadu Buhari has urged protesters to stop demonstrating and engage with the government.
Human rights group Amnesty International said security forces killed at least 12 people in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, on Tuesday.
Nigeria has the 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’s the use of representing the country if this is what politicians, the people we represent, can do to us?” Ogu, 32, told the world soccer program on BBC World Service radio.
“I feel like this is the best thing to do right now until they come to their senses and listen to us.
“We want a good government, we want police brutality to stop, we want Sars to stop, we want the killing to stop, we want good laws, we want job opportunities. It’s crazy.
“I think most of my colleagues understand where I come from, I wish we could do this. Games are coming and if we boycott them, I’m sure they’ll know we’ve made a statement.
“I haven’t really talked to any of my teammates about this. They feel for the people here, their loved ones, those who have died. I’m sure the players know it. “
Ogu is back in Lagos after leaving Saudi Arabia’s Al-Adalah club in September.
“In Lagos it is brutal now. Burning banks, cars, police stations. It is dangerous to go out. The country is a mess.
“I have been to the protests six or seven times. It is always peaceful.
“I do not know [whether there will be a boycott]. I don’t know what is in the hearts of the other boys. I’m sure everyone is thinking about this now. We have a game next month. If this continues until next month, we will not 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?”
