The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of stopping him from greeting members of Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph.
Obi made the allegation in a statement issued on Monday titled “A New Dimension of Toxic Politics in Nigeria,” in which he expressed concern over what he described as the increasing influence of political divisions in the country.
Peter Obi Recounts Incident at Abuja Airport
According to Obi, he arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 7 am on Monday to board a flight to Enugu when he noticed the Flamingos, who had just returned from Morocco after winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The former Anambra State governor said he instructed his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to approach the relevant officials and seek permission for him to greet and congratulate the players.
However, Obi claimed that his request was rejected by NFF officials, who reportedly asked that he should not approach the team.
“I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation had refused and had requested that I not approach,” Obi said.
Obi Recalls Similar Experience During Nigeria’s World Cup Qualifier
The politician also recalled a similar incident on March 25, 2025, during a World Cup qualifying match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Obi said the state governor had welcomed him at the VIP stand before the match, but he was allegedly prevented from greeting the Nigerian players after the game.
He claimed that while other government officials were allowed to interact with the players, he was stopped from doing the same.
“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,” he stated.
Peter Obi accuses NFF officials, described the incident as toxic politics
Reacting to the alleged incidents, Obi expressed concern about the growing political divisions in Nigeria, arguing that political affiliations should not determine how citizens are treated.
He described the situation as evidence of what he called a deterioration in the country’s political environment since 2025.
“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,” he said.
Obi called for a Nigeria where political differences would not lead to hostility, exclusion or discrimination.
He emphasised the importance of unity, mutual respect and shared national identity, insisting that these values should take priority over political affiliations.
NFF Yet to Respond to Peter Obi’s Allegation
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Football Federation had not publicly responded to Obi’s allegation concerning the incident at the Abuja airport.
The development has raised questions about the relationship between political figures and sports administration in Nigeria, particularly regarding access to national teams during official engagements.
Flamingos Make History with FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Victory
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Flamingos returned to Abuja on Monday after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco to win their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
The historic victory also made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The team’s achievement represents a significant milestone for Nigerian women’s football and has brought international recognition to the country’s youth football programme.
While the NFF is yet to issue an official response to Obi’s claims, the politician maintains that sporting achievements should provide opportunities for national unity rather than become entangled in political differences.
