Photo: Peter Obi
By Mandy Park
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation of preventing him from greeting Nigeria’s victorious Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, at the airport over fears of losing their jobs.
Obi described the incident as another manifestation of what he called the growing culture of toxic politics in Nigeria, alleging that political considerations had increasingly overshadowed national unity and mutual respect.
The former Anambra State governor disclosed this in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, November 9, 2026, explaining that he encountered the team at the airport while preparing to travel to Enugu.
According to him, the Flamingos had just arrived after their successful campaign and were preparing to board their vehicle when he expressed interest in congratulating them.
Obi said he instructed his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could approach the players and congratulate them on their achievement.
He, however, claimed that officials of the NFF declined his request, pleading with him not to approach the team because doing so could cost them their jobs.
“I arrived at the airport at 7am 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 had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs,” he stated.
The NDC presidential hopeful, who is expected to contest the January 16, 2027 presidential election, said the incident was not the first time he had allegedly been prevented from interacting with Nigerian national football teams.
He recalled an encounter on March 25, 2025, when he travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to watch a World Cup qualifying match.
Obi said the state governor had welcomed him at the VIP stand before the match, but he was allegedly prevented from greeting the players after the encounter.
He said that government officials had again cited the possibility of losing their jobs as the reason for restricting his access to the players.
Expressing concern over what he described as the deterioration of Nigeria’s political environment, Obi said the country had witnessed an increasing level of intolerance and hostility 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 added.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said sporting achievements should provide opportunities for Nigerians to celebrate their collective identity, irrespective of political affiliations.
He argued that national teams represented the country and should not be subjected to political divisions or used as instruments of partisan interests.
Obi called for a Nigeria where citizens could interact freely and celebrate national achievements without fear of intimidation, discrimination or victimisation on account of their political beliefs.
“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. A new Nigeria is possible,” he said.
The statement was signed by the spokesman for the Peter Obi Media Reach, Idris Zekeri Jnr.
The incident comes against the backdrop of renewed political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and their leading figures intensifying engagements across the country.
