By Paul Joseph
Former Labour Party presidential candidate and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of blocking his attempt to congratulate Nigeria’s victorious Under-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, at an airport.
Obi alleged that NFF officials barred him from approaching the young footballers, claiming they feared losing their jobs if they allowed him to interact with the team.
The former Anambra State governor made the allegation in a statement posted on his X account on Monday, describing how he encountered the players following their return from Morocco, where they won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
According to Obi, he arrived at the airport around 7 a.m. to catch a flight to Enugu when he noticed the victorious team preparing to leave.
He said he immediately instructed his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could approach the players to congratulate them on their historic achievement.
However, he claimed that the request was rejected by NFF officials, who allegedly warned that they could lose their jobs if he was allowed to greet the team.
“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 stated.
The NDC presidential hopeful expressed disappointment over the alleged treatment, arguing that political differences should not dictate how Nigerians interact, particularly when celebrating national achievements.
Obi also recalled a similar incident on March 25, 2025, when he travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to watch a World Cup qualifying match.
He claimed that although the state governor welcomed him at the VIP stand, he was prevented from joining other government officials who went to greet the players after the match.
“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.
Describing the incidents as troubling, Obi accused the country’s political environment of increasingly allowing partisan considerations to interfere with ordinary social interactions and national celebrations.
He maintained that sporting achievements should unite Nigerians irrespective of their political affiliations.
“The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.
The allegation came a day after Obi publicly congratulated the Flamingos following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
In his Sunday message, he praised the players for their resilience, dedication and determination, describing their achievement as a source of national pride.
He also thanked the young footballers for raising Nigeria’s flag and bringing joy to millions of citizens.
As of Monday, the NFF had not publicly responded to Obi’s allegation.
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