The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting members of the victorious Flamingos at the airport.
Obi alleged that the officials refused to allow him to approach the Nigeria Under-17 women’s national football team, claiming they feared losing their jobs if he interacted with the players.
The former Anambra State governor made the allegation in a statement on Monday while expressing concern over what he described as the growing culture of toxic politics in Nigeria.
Obi said he arrived at the airport around 7am to board a flight to Enugu when he sighted the Flamingos, who had just returned from Morocco after winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
He said he subsequently asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out if he could greet and welcome the players.
However, Obi alleged that the request was rejected by the NFF officials.
“I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs,” he said.
Obi added that the incident was not the first time he had allegedly been prevented from interacting with members of a Nigerian national team.
He recalled a similar experience on March 25, 2025, when he travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for a World Cup qualifying match.
According to him, the state governor welcomed him at the VIP stand, but he was later prevented from greeting the players after the match.
Obi said other government officials were allowed to interact with the players, while he was told that those who permitted him to do so could lose their jobs.
He described the incidents as evidence of what he called the worsening culture of toxic politics in the country.
“The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation,” Obi said.
He added that national unity and mutual respect should take precedence over political differences.
The Flamingos returned to Abuja on Monday following their 2-1 victory over Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.
The victory made Nigeria the first African country to win the competition.
