Obi expressed disappointment over the development, noting that it was not the first time he had allegedly been prevented from interacting with members of Nigeria’s national football teams because of political considerations
By Moses Okorie
Peter Obi, 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 Under-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, at the airport on Monday.
Obi, who was travelling to Enugu, said he arrived at the airport around 7 a.m. and encountered the team shortly after their arrival. Excited by their achievement, he reportedly instructed his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could approach the players to congratulate and welcome them.
However, according to Obi, he was informed that NFF officials had refused his request, pleading with him not to approach the team because doing so could cost them their jobs.
The former Anambra State governor disclosed the incident in a statement shared on his X handle, describing it as another example of what he termed a “new dimension of toxic politics in Nigeria.”
Obi expressed disappointment over the development, noting that it was not the first time he had allegedly been prevented from interacting with members of Nigeria’s national football teams because of political considerations.
Recalling a similar incident on March 25, 2025, during a World Cup qualifying match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Obi said he was warmly received by the state governor at the VIP stand but was subsequently prevented from greeting the players after the match.
He alleged that government officials had also warned on that occasion that they could lose their jobs if he was allowed to interact with the players.
Expressing concern over what he described as the growing influence of political hostility in the country, Obi said Nigeria had witnessed a disturbing deterioration in its political environment since 2025.
He stressed that political differences should not undermine national unity or prevent citizens from celebrating the achievements of their fellow Nigerians.
According to him, the Nigeria of the future must be built on unity, mutual respect and shared humanity, rather than hostility, intimidation and discrimination based on political affiliation.
“The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation,” Obi stated.
He added that national achievements, particularly those recorded by young Nigerian athletes representing the country internationally, should be celebrated without political interference.
Obi concluded by reiterating his belief that a better Nigeria remains possible.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no response from the Nigeria Football Federation addressing Obi’s allegations.