The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from welcoming the Flamingos at the airport in Abuja.
The U-17 Women’s team recently returned from Morocco after defeating Japan 2-1 on Saturday to lift the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The incident occurred at about 7:00 am on Monday while Obi was at the airport to board a flight to Enugu State. According to the former governor, he had instructed his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to request permission to greet the young champions, but NFF representatives on the ground immediately declined the overture.
Detailing his experience in a public statement titled “A New Dimension of Toxic Politics in Nigeria,” Obi condemned the growing influence of partisan divisions on national sports.
“I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation had refused and had requested that I not approach”.
Obi disclosed that this is not his first time facing such restrictions from sports administrators. He recalled a similar encounter on March 25, 2025, during a World Cup qualifying match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Despite being received by the state governor at the VIP stand during that match, Obi stated that he was singled out and blocked from felicitating with the players alongside other government dignitaries.
“Following the match, other government officials went to greet the players, but I was again prevented from doing so. I was told by the officials that they would lose their jobs if I proceeded”.
The presidential candidate urged citizens and institutions to prioritise national unity, mutual respect, and shared humanity over political affiliations.
“It is deeply troubling to witness the extent of toxic politics into which our nation has descended since 2025. Each year appears to bring further deterioration. This reflects how deeply Nigeria has been affected.”
As of the time of filing this report, the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
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