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 Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, at the Abuja airport.
Obi made the allegation on Monday in a statement titled, “A New Dimension of Toxic Politics in Nigeria,” where he expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of political intolerance in the country.
The former Anambra State governor said he arrived at the airport around 7 am to board a flight to Enugu when he spotted the Flamingos, who had just returned to Nigeria following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
He explained that he instructed his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could approach and congratulate the players.
However, Obi said he was informed that NFF officials had rejected the request and warned that they could lose their jobs if they allowed him to interact with the team.
“I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation had refused and had requested that I not approach,” he stated.
Obi further disclosed that the incident was not the first time he had allegedly been prevented from greeting members of Nigeria’s national football team.
He recalled a similar experience on March 25, 2025, when he attended a World Cup qualifying match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, although the state governor welcomed him at the VIP stand, he was prevented from greeting the players after the match. He added that officials told him they could lose their jobs if they allowed him to proceed.
Expressing disappointment over the development, Obi criticised the growing political divisions in Nigeria, arguing that partisan differences should not interfere with ordinary interactions or national celebrations.
He maintained that the country’s future should be built on mutual respect and unity rather than hostility, intimidation and discrimination based on political affiliations.
The Flamingos recently made history by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, becoming the first African team to win the competition.
