Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo joined the fight against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in October 2020 after the Nigerian military opened fire on protestors.

The protest reportedly claimed about 38 lives, leaving several others with injuries.

As Nigerians mark the 4th anniversary of the October 20 tragic event at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos, we look back at how Odion Ighalo led the condemnation among Nigeria's most prominent sportsmen.

In a video message on X, moments after Manchester United's 2-1 win over PSG in the UEFA Champions League, the Super Eagles striker called on the Buhari government to end what he described as a shame.

“The Nigerian government, you guys 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 own rights? It’s uncalled for,” Ighalo said.

“You people will be remembered in history as the first government to send the military to the city to start killing their own citizens. I am ashamed of this government. We are tired of you guys, and we can’t take this anymore.”

Ighalo was on a short loan spell at Manchester United, having joined the Red Devils from Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League.

Ighalo: “I’m sad and I don’t know where to start from. Nigerian government, you are a shame to the world for killing your own citizens, protesters that are protesting for their rights - it’s uncalled for.” #EndSARS pic.twitter.com/u7849tGFoU

— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) October 20, 2020