The Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has alleged that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Prevented him from congratulating and greeting the Flamingos and their team officials at the airport over fears that they could lose their jobs.
Obi said he was informed that the officials had warned against allowing him to approach the players, threatening that they would all lose their jobs if he greeted the team.
In a post on his social media platforms, Obi described the incident as an example of toxic politics in Nigeria. He revealed that he was about to board a flight to Enugu when he bumped into the team, which had just arrived, but was prevented from welcoming and greeting the girls over fears that the NFF officials could all be sacked if they allowed him to do so.
“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.
The NDC presidential candidate asserted that this was not the first time he had experienced such treatment, calling for unity and an end to all forms of discrimination.
“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.
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.
The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation. It must be a Nigeria in which unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity take precedence over political differences.”
The Flamingos touched down in Nigeria on Monday following their 2-1 victory over Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, becoming the first African country to reach the final and the first to make their debut in the final.
