The Presidency has dismissed allegations made by the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation barred him from greeting the national Under-17 women's football team, the Flamingos.
Obi had stated on Monday that he was stopped from meeting the players at the Abuja airport, where he had arrived around 7 a.m. to catch a flight to Enugu. According to a report by Punch, Obi explained that he sent his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to ask if he could welcome the squad, but NFF officials declined, reportedly expressing fear that they could lose their jobs if he met them.
Obi described the encounter as an example of toxic politics. He also recalled an earlier event on March 25, 2025, during a World Cup qualifier in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where he claimed he was similarly stopped from greeting players after the match while other government officials were permitted.
Responding to the statement, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, rejected Obi's claims and warned against politicising national sports teams. Olusegun stated that the Flamingos represent the entire country rather than any individual ambition or party.
Olusegun noted that administrative and security guidelines are meant to shield young players from unnecessary media circuses, commercial distractions, and political exploitation while on national duty. He added that turning standard protocols into a narrative of victimisation harms the unity that sports brings to the nation.
Bashir Ahmad, the National Director of Media Monitoring and Rapid Response of the City Boy Movement, also disputed Obi's claims. Ahmad maintained that being denied access did not signify political persecution, pointing out that security and protocol considerations likely guided the decision.
The Flamingos arrived back in Abuja on Monday following a historic 2-1 victory over Japan in the final held in Morocco. The win marked Nigeria's first FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup trophy, making them the first African team to lift the title. The NFF had not released an official comment regarding the incident at the time of the reports.
