Obi Alleges NFF Officials Prevented Him from Greeting Flamingos

Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has accused Nigeria Football Federation officials of preventing him from greeting the victorious Under-17 women's national team, the Flamingos, at Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Obi claimed that officials warned they could lose their jobs if they allowed him to approach the players, who returned to Nigeria after their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.

Obi stated that he arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. on Monday to board a flight to Enugu when he spotted the Flamingos preparing to leave. He wanted to congratulate them for making the country proud and asked his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out if he could approach the team. However, Obi claimed he was informed that NFF officials had rejected the request, citing job security concerns.

This incident is not the first time Obi has allegedly been prevented from interacting with a Nigerian national football team. He recalled a similar experience on March 25, 2025, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, when he was stopped from greeting the Super Eagles after a World Cup qualifying match. Obi alleged that while other government officials were allowed to approach the players, he was stopped by officials who gave the same reason - that they would lose their jobs.

Obi expressed concern over the country's growing political divisions and their impact on public institutions. He described the alleged incidents as part of a growing culture of political intolerance, stating that it is deeply troubling to witness the extent of toxic politics in Nigeria since 2025. Obi called for a country where national unity, mutual respect, and shared humanity take precedence over partisan differences.

The Presidency has responded to Obi's allegations, cautioning against politicizing sports. Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, stated that the Flamingos represented Nigeria as a whole, not any political party or individual. Olusegun argued that protocol arrangements for national teams aim to protect athletes from political exploitation and distractions.

Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad also questioned Obi's interpretation, suggesting that being denied access to greet the players did not automatically amount to political persecution. The Nigeria Football Federation had not publicly responded to Obi's allegations at the time of reporting.

The controversy surrounds the Flamingos' historic achievement, having defeated Japan 2-1 in the final to become the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. Obi's allegations have sparked a debate on the intersection of politics and sports in Nigeria.

Key points

• Peter Obi claims NFF officials prevented him from greeting the Flamingos due to political concerns.
• The Presidency has cautioned against politicizing sports, stating that national teams represent Nigeria as a whole.
• Obi's allegations have sparked a debate on the intersection of politics and sports in Nigeria.