Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has alleged that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from greeting Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, at an airport on Monday, claiming they feared losing their jobs if they allowed him to approach the players.
Obi said the incident occurred when he arrived at the airport to board a flight to Enugu and noticed the team, which had just returned from its historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph and was preparing to leave the airport.
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In a statement published on his X handle on Monday, the former presidential candidate said he asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could welcome and congratulate the players.
However, he alleged that NFF officials rejected the request, warning that they could lose their jobs if he approached the team.
“I arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. this morning to board my flight to Enugu. There, I saw the Nigeria Under-17 girls’ team, which had just arrived and was preparing to board its vehicle into town.
“With genuine joy and enthusiasm, I asked my Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether I could greet and welcome the team. I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs,” Obi said.
Read Also: Tinubu, Obi congratulate Flamingos on U-17 World Cup win
Obi recalls similar incident in Uyo
He described the incident as another example of what he considers the growing politicisation of public institutions and national events, adding that a similar experience occurred during a World Cup qualifier in Uyo on March 25, 2025.
Obi recalled that although the Akwa Ibom State governor welcomed him at the VIP stand before the match, he was prevented from greeting the players after the game.
“Regrettably, this is not the first time I have been subjected to such treatment. On March 25, 2025, I was in Uyo for the World Cup qualifier. The governor warmly received me and welcomed me at the VIP stand. 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 said.
Obi raises concern over politicisation of national events
Obi expressed concern over what he described as an increasingly toxic political environment, arguing that political considerations should not interfere with national celebrations or interactions with athletes representing the country.
“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 added.
Flamingos return after historic World Cup triumph
The allegation comes as the Flamingos return home following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where they defeated Japan 2-1 in the final to become the first African nation to win the competition.
The incident raises questions about the relationship between football administration, political protocol and access to national teams, particularly during moments of national celebration.
The NFF had yet to respond to Obi’s allegation at the time of filing this report.
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