Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation of stopping him from greeting members of the victorious Flamingos team at the Abuja airport.
Obi stated this in a statement on Monday titled, “A New Dimension of Toxic Politics in Nigeria”, criticising what he described as the growing influence of political divisions in the country.
He explained that he arrived at the airport at 7 am on Monday to board a flight to Enugu when he saw the Nigeria Under-17 women’s team, which had just returned from Morocco after winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
According to Obi, he asked his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could greet and welcome the players but was told that NFF officials had refused his request.
“I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation had refused and had requested that I not approach,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor said the incident was not the first time he had been prevented from greeting Nigerian footballers.
Recounting a similar experience on March 25, 2025, during a World Cup qualifier in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Obi said the governor had welcomed him at the VIP stand, but he was later stopped from greeting the players after the match.
“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.
Describing the incidents as evidence of what he called “toxic politics”, Obi said the situation reflected a deterioration in the country’s political climate 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 said.
The NDC presidential flagbearer called for a country where political differences would not result in hostility or discrimination, insisting that “unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity” should take precedence over political affiliations.
The NFF had not publicly commented on Obi’s claim as of the time of filing this report.
The Flamingos returned to Abuja on Monday after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco to win their first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
The victory also made Nigeria the first African country to win the competition.
