NFF Officials Stopped Him From Greeting Flamingos at Abuja Airport, Peter Obi Cries Out

• Peter Obi says NFF officials stopped him from greeting the victorious Flamingos at Abuja airport, describing the alleged incident as evidence of toxic politics.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that Nigeria Football Federation officials prevented him from greeting the victorious Flamingos at Abuja airport on Monday.

Obi made the allegation in a statement titled “A New Dimension of Toxic Politics in Nigeria”, saying political divisions were increasingly affecting interactions that should unite Nigerians.

According to the former Anambra State governor, he arrived at the airport at 7 am to board a flight to Enugu when he saw members of Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national team returning from Morocco.

The Flamingos had defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final to win Nigeria’s first title in the competition.

Obi recounts airport encounter

Obi said he asked his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could approach the players to congratulate them and welcome them home.

However, he said he was subsequently informed that NFF officials had declined the request.

“I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation had refused and had requested that I not approach,” he said.

His account did not identify the officials involved or state the reason they allegedly gave for refusing the request.

Former governor recalls similar incident in Uyo

Obi said the alleged airport encounter followed a similar experience during a World Cup qualifying match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on March 25, 2025.

He recalled that the governor welcomed him at the VIP stand, but said he was later prevented from greeting the players after the match, even as other government officials were allowed to do so.

“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.

Obi condemns political hostility

Obi described the incidents as examples of what he called “toxic politics”, arguing that political differences should not become grounds for hostility or exclusion.

“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 greater tolerance across political divides, saying “unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity” should take precedence over party affiliations.

The NFF had not publicly responded to Obi’s allegation at the time of the report.

The Flamingos’ victory in Morocco made Nigeria the first African country to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Their arrival in Abuja on Monday followed the historic triumph over Japan.