The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting Nigeria’s victorious Flamingos team at the Abuja airport, describing the incident as an example of growing political intolerance in the country.
Obi stated this in a statement issued on Monday, titled ‘A new dimension of toxic politics in Nigeria’, following the return of the Nigeria Under-17 women’s team from Morocco, where they won their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
The former Anambra State governor said he arrived at the airport at 7am on Monday to board a flight to Enugu when he encountered the players. He claimed that his request to welcome the team was turned down by NFF officials, despite the historic achievement of the young footballers.
According to Obi, he asked his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could approach the players and congratulate them on their victory.
However, he said he was informed that the football federation’s officials had refused his request and instructed him not to approach the team.
“I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation had refused and had requested that I not approach,” Obi said in the statement.
The NDC presidential candidate said that the incident reflected a broader deterioration in the country’s political climate.
Obi also recalled a similar experience during a World Cup qualifier in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on March 25, 2025, when he was allegedly prevented from greeting Nigerian footballers after a match.
He said the governor had welcomed him at the VIP stand during the event, but other government officials later stopped him from approaching the players.
“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 recounted.
Obi said the two incidents demonstrated what he called “toxic politics”, which he believes has continued to worsen since 2025.
“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 said.
He called for a political environment where differences in affiliation would not lead to hostility or discrimination, stressing the importance of unity and mutual respect among Nigerians.
Obi maintained that political considerations should not prevent citizens from celebrating national achievements, particularly those involving athletes who represent the country on the international stage.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise “unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity” over political affiliations.
The Flamingos returned to Abuja on Monday following their 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Morocco, securing Nigeria’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
The triumph also made Nigeria the first African country to win the competition, marking a historic achievement for the nation’s women’s football.
