Obi Alleges NFF Blocked Him From Greeting Victorious Flamingos

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has alleged that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from greeting members of the national Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Obi said he was allegedly informed that the officials had warned against allowing him to approach the players, allegedly threatening that they would lose their jobs if he did.

The former Anambra State governor disclosed this in a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday, after the Flamingos returned to Nigeria following their 2-1 victory over Japan in Saturday’s final in Morocco.

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

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

“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 wrote.

Obi described the incident as another example of what he called the growing culture of “toxic politics” in Nigeria, alleging that he had experienced similar treatment during a previous visit to a football event.

He recounted that on March 25, 2025, he travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for a World Cup qualifying match, where he said the governor received him at the VIP stand.

According to him, after the match, other government officials were allowed to greet the players, but he was again 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 said.

The former governor expressed concern over what he described as the increasing politicisation of public engagements, arguing that political differences should not prevent Nigerians from celebrating national achievements.

“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,” he said.

U-17 World Cup Victory

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, made history by defeating Japan 2-1 to become the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Goals from Awawu Bashiru in the 39th minute and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 47th minute secured the historic victory, despite Japan’s late goal in the 80th minute. Umejiaku also won the Player of the Match and Golden Ball awards.

The Flamingos achieved the remarkable feat after recovering from an opening 2-1 defeat to Poland and winning their remaining six matches, including victories over Brazil in the semi-finals and Japan in the final. The victorious team returned to Abuja on Monday to a warm reception from Nigeria Football Federation officials and supporters.

Head coach Hakeem Busari praised the players’ resilience, discipline and determination, insisting their victory was the result of years of development rather than luck.

President Bola Tinubu also congratulated the team, describing the triumph as a proud moment for Nigeria and a major milestone for African women’s football. He commended the players, coaching crew and football authorities for their achievement.

Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino also praised the team during the trophy presentation and in an official statement.