Peter Obi Accuses NFF Officials of Blocking Him From Greeting Victorious Flamingos

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, after their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph.

Obi alleged that NFF officials warned against allowing him to approach the players, threatening that they would lose their jobs if they permitted him to do so.

The former Anambra State governor made the allegation in a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday, following the team’s return to Nigeria after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco.

Obi said he arrived at the airport around 7 a.m. on Monday to board a flight to Enugu when he sighted the victorious players preparing to leave.

He said he subsequently asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could congratulate and welcome the team.

However, according to him, he was informed that NFF officials had refused his request and warned that those who allowed him to approach the players would lose their jobs.

“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 (NFF) had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs,” he said.

Obi described the incident as another manifestation of what he called Nigeria’s growing culture of toxic politics, claiming that he had experienced similar treatment during a previous football event.

He recalled that on March 25, 2025, he travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to watch a World Cup qualifying match, where he was received by the state governor at the VIP stand.

According to him, while other government officials were allowed to greet the players after the match, he was prevented from doing 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 added.

The former governor expressed concern over what he described as the increasing politicisation of national engagements, insisting that political differences should not stand in the way of celebrating Nigeria’s achievements.

He called for a country where unity, mutual respect and shared national interests take precedence over political affiliations