The Nigerian Presidency and former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad have criticised Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, over his claim that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation prevented him from greeting the country's Under-17 women's football team, the Flamingos. Obi alleged that the incident occurred at an airport on Monday, where he claimed NFF officials stopped him from approaching the players, warning that they could lose their jobs if he greeted the team.
The Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, issued a statement on Monday, accusing Obi of attempting to politicise national sporting institutions. Olusegun said the Flamingos represented Nigeria, not any political party or individual, and that established protocols were in place to protect young athletes from political exploitation and commercial distractions. He also accused Obi of relying on unverified claims to portray himself as a victim of political persecution.
Bashir Ahmad, National Director of Media Monitoring and Rapid Response of the City Boy Movement, also dismissed suggestions that the incident amounted to political intimidation. Ahmad said protocol, security, and administrative considerations must have been involved, and urged Obi to prioritise facts and national unity rather than interpreting administrative decisions as politically motivated. He added that a new Nigeria is possible, but not through perpetual political antagonism.
Obi had explained that he was travelling to Enugu when he noticed the Flamingos preparing to board a vehicle after arriving in the country. He directed his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to seek permission for him to greet the players but was informed that NFF officials had objected. The former Anambra State governor described the incident as another troubling dimension of political intolerance.
The incident has sparked a heated debate, with many Nigerians taking to social media to express their opinions. While some have supported Obi, others have criticised him for attempting to politicise a sporting event. The NFF has not issued an official response to Obi's allegations as of the time of the report. The incident has raised questions about the relationship between politics and sports in Nigeria.
The Flamingos are Nigeria's Under-17 women's football team, and their success has been a source of pride for the country. The team's achievements have been celebrated by many Nigerians, and their welfare has been a priority for the NFF. The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by athletes in Nigeria, particularly in terms of balancing their sporting careers with the demands of politics.
The controversy has also raised questions about the role of politicians in sports. While some have argued that politicians should be involved in sports, others have suggested that they should keep a distance. The incident has sparked a national conversation about the intersection of politics and sports in Nigeria, and the implications for the country's sporting institutions.
Key points
- The Nigerian Presidency and former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad have criticised Peter Obi over his claim that officials prevented him from greeting the country's Under-17 women's football team.
- Obi alleged that NFF officials stopped him from approaching the players, warning that they could lose their jobs if he greeted the team.
- The incident has sparked a heated debate about the relationship between politics and sports in Nigeria.
