The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from meeting and congratulating members of the Flamingos after their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup victory.
Naija News reports that Obi made the allegation in a statement issued on Monday, November 9, 2026.
The former Anambra State governor explained that he arrived at the Abuja airport around 7 am on Monday to catch a flight to Enugu when he noticed the Nigerian U-17 women’s team, which had just returned from Morocco after winning the competition.
According to him, he instructed his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to approach the appropriate officials and find out if he could meet the players to congratulate them on their achievement.
However, Obi claimed that his request was turned down by NFF officials, who allegedly asked that he should not be allowed to approach the team.
He expressed disappointment over the development, saying that he only wanted to welcome the young footballers and celebrate their success.
He wrote: “The new dimension of toxic politics that Nigeria has developed since 2025, I arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. this morning to board my flight to Enugu. There, I saw the Nigeria Under-17 girls’ team, which had just arrived and was preparing to board its vehicle into town.
“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.
“Regrettably, this is not the first time I have been subjected to such treatment. On March 25, 2025, I was in Uyo for the World Cup qualifier. The governor warmly received me and welcomed me at the VIP stand. 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.
“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.
“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.”
