Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting Nigeria’s victorious 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 titled “A New Dimension of Toxic Politics in Nigeria,” in which he expressed concern over what he described as increasing political intolerance and discrimination in the country.
According to the former presidential candidate, the incident occurred on Monday morning, November 9, at the airport in Abuja, where he had arrived to board a flight to Enugu.
Obi said he spotted the Flamingos, who had just returned to Nigeria after winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, and expressed a desire to congratulate and welcome the players.
He explained that he instructed his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to seek permission from the relevant officials to enable him to greet the team.
However, he alleged that he was informed that NFF officials had declined his request and instructed that he should not approach the players.
Obi further claimed that the officials reportedly feared losing their jobs if they allowed him to interact with the victorious team.
Expressing disappointment over the development, he said the incident was not the first time he had allegedly been prevented from greeting Nigerian footballers.
He recalled a similar experience on March 25, 2025, when he attended Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, although he was warmly received by the state governor at the VIP stand, he was allegedly prevented from approaching the Super Eagles players after the match.
Obi said he was again told that officials could lose their jobs if he proceeded to greet the national team.
Describing the two incidents as troubling, the NDC chieftain criticised what he considered the growing influence of political differences in public institutions and national activities.
He argued that political affiliations should not determine who can interact with national representatives, particularly athletes whose achievements bring honour to the country.
Obi called for a Nigeria where citizens can relate freely without hostility, intimidation or discrimination based on political differences.
He maintained that national unity, mutual respect and shared values should take precedence over partisan interests.
The allegation comes as Nigerians celebrate the Flamingos following their historic achievement at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where they defeated Japan 2-1 in the final to become the first African team to win the competition.
The victory has attracted congratulatory messages from President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Peter Obi and other prominent Nigerians.
As of the time of this report, the NFF had not publicly responded to Obi’s allegation.
