Obi Recounts How NFF Officials Prevented Him From Meeting Flamingos

Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from welcoming members of the Flamingos at an airport, allegedly warning that they risked losing their jobs if they allowed him to interact with the players.

Obi said the incident occurred on Monday morning when he arrived at the airport to board a flight to Enugu and noticed the country’s Under-17 women’s national team preparing to depart.

In a post on X, the former Anambra State governor said he directed his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to approach the relevant officials and seek permission for him to greet the players.

However, he claimed the request was turned down after NFF officials reportedly expressed concerns about the consequences of allowing him to meet the team.

According to Obi, he was told that the officials had instructed that he should not be allowed near the players because they could lose their jobs if he greeted them.

“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,” he wrote.

The presidential candidate said the experience reminded him of a similar incident in March 2025, when he travelled to Uyo for a World Cup qualifying match.

Obi recalled that the state governor welcomed him at the VIP stand before the match but alleged that he was later prevented from joining other government officials to greet the players after the game.

He claimed that the officials involved had given the same reason, insisting that they would lose their jobs if they allowed him to interact with the team.

Reacting to the incidents, Obi criticised what he described as an increasingly hostile political environment in the country, saying political differences should not determine how Nigerians relate with one another.

He expressed concern that the situation had continued to worsen since 2025, warning against allowing political affiliations to override national unity and mutual respect.

“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 added.

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, to secure their maiden title in the competition.

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