Abuja, FCT — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Abuja presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed regrets over how Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials prevented him from greeting Flamingos, the victorious Under-17 women’s national team, at Abuja airport on Monday.
In a statement posted on X, the former Anambra governor said staff warned they could lose their jobs if he approached the players.
Obi said he arrived around 7 a.m. to board a flight to Enugu when he saw the team preparing to leave.
The Flamingos had just returned from Morocco after winning the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, defeating Japan 2–1 in the final.
Obi described the alleged incident as evidence of growing political intolerance, and called for a country where respect transcends party affiliation.
His account was reported by TVC News, which attributed the account to his post.
Obi’s Account of the Airport Encounter
Obi said he asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to check whether he could welcome and congratulate the returning players.
He said he was told that NFF officials had refused the request because allowing him near the team could cost them their jobs.
The account does not identify the officials involved or specify who allegedly threatened their employment.
Obi’s post also does not include a response from the Nigeria Football Federation to the allegation.
The team arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after becoming the first African nation to win the tournament.
FIFA’s match report confirms Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Japan in the November 7 final in Rabat. The report describes the historic result.
The players’ return drew public attention, with news coverage documenting their arrival and celebrations at the airport.
Obi said his request was motivated by “genuine joy and enthusiasm” at seeing the young champions.
Obi Recalls a Similar Uyo Incident
The politician said the airport encounter reminded him of an experience on March 25, 2025, during a World Cup qualifier in Uyo.
He said Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno welcomed him at the VIP stand before the match.
After the game, Obi said other officials approached the players, but he was again prevented from greeting them.
He alleged that staff gave the same reason: they feared losing their jobs if he went forward.
The match was Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Obi described the two episodes as signs of a worsening political climate since 2025.
He argued that political differences should not prevent Nigerians from showing support for national teams or engaging in ordinary acts of courtesy.
His statement called for unity, mutual respect and shared humanity to take priority over political loyalties.
Obaze Raises Concerns About Civic Space
Oseloka H. Obaze, a former Anambra government official, responded by describing the episode as an example of shrinking political and civic space.
Obaze said concerns about reduced civic freedoms were grounded in concrete experiences, rather than abstract political arguments.
He questioned what might have motivated officials to stop Obi from greeting a successful national team.
He said such conduct would be troubling whether ordered by senior figures or driven by staff seeking political favour.
Obaze warned that failing to correct intimidation or restrictions on lawful public interaction could deepen public discontent.
His response did not provide independent confirmation of Obi’s account or identify who allegedly instructed the NFF officials.
It instead situated the allegation within a broader concern about political pressure and citizens’ ability to participate freely.
Calls for Unity Across Political Lines
Peter Obi Grassroots Commentary also criticised the alleged restriction, saying congratulating the team should not become a political act.
The account said threats to officials over a simple greeting would reflect a loss of basic courtesy and shared national identity.
It argued that Nigeria belongs to all citizens, rather than one party or political leader.
Obi’s own statement similarly called for a country without hostility, intimidation or discrimination based on political affiliation.
The disagreement now centres on an allegation that has not been independently corroborated in the reports reviewed.
A response from the NFF or further clarification from the officials involved could help establish what happened at the airport.
For now, Obi’s account has prompted wider discussion about political neutrality, public institutions and interactions with national teams.
He ended his appeal by repeating his familiar message that “a new Nigeria is possible.”
