Peter Obi Accuses NFF Officials of Blocking Him From Congratulating Flamingos Over Political Differences

Former Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) stopped him from congratulating Nigeria’s victorious Under-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, at an airport.

Obi claimed that the officials refused to allow him to approach the players because they feared losing their jobs if he was permitted to interact with the team.

He made the allegation on Monday in a post on X, using the incident to criticise what he described as an increasingly toxic political environment in the country.

According to Obi, he arrived at the airport around 7 a.m. while preparing to travel to Enugu and noticed the Flamingos, who had just returned and were getting ready to depart.

He said he asked his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to make enquiries about whether he could greet and welcome the players following their international triumph.

However, the request was allegedly turned down by NFF officials, who reportedly instructed that Obi should not be allowed to approach the team.

Explaining what happened, he wrote:

“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.”

Similar experience during 2025 World Cup qualifier

Obi further alleged that the airport encounter was not an isolated incident, recalling a similar experience during his visit to Uyo on March 25, 2025, for a World Cup qualifying match.

He said the state governor had welcomed him warmly at the VIP stand before the match.

However, he claimed that after the game, he was prevented from joining other government officials who went to greet the players.

Obi said the officials cited the same concern, warning that they could lose their jobs if he was allowed to interact with the national team.

‘Nigeria must rise above toxic politics’

Expressing disappointment over the alleged treatment, Obi said Nigeria’s political climate had become increasingly hostile since 2025.

He argued that political disagreements should not prevent citizens from celebrating national achievements or interacting with one another, irrespective of their political affiliations.

The NDC presidential candidate maintained that national unity, mutual respect and shared identity should take priority over partisan interests.

“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,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Flamingos returned to Abuja on Monday after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.

The team’s arrival followed their impressive campaign, which culminated in a historic triumph and further strengthened Nigeria’s reputation in youth women’s football.