The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation of preventing him from congratulating members of the national Under-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Obi alleged that he was told NFF officials had instructed that he should not be allowed to approach the players, warning that those who permitted him to do so risked losing their jobs.
The former Anambra State governor made the disclosure in a statement published on his official X account on Monday, following the team’s return to Nigeria after defeating Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final in Morocco.
According to Obi, he arrived at the airport at approximately 7 a.m. on Monday ahead of a scheduled flight to Enugu when he noticed the victorious players preparing to depart the facility. He subsequently directed his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to establish whether he could approach the team to congratulate them on their achievement.
Explaining what happened, Obi wrote: “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.”
Obi described the alleged incident as another manifestation of what he considers an increasingly entrenched culture of “toxic politics” in the country. He also claimed that he had encountered a similar situation during an earlier visit to a football event.
Recounting the previous incident, the former governor said he travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on March 25, 2025, to watch a World Cup qualifying fixture. He noted that although the state governor received him at the VIP section of the stadium, he was allegedly prevented from interacting with the players after the match.
He stated: “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.”
Expressing disappointment over the development, Obi warned that political considerations should not overshadow national achievements or prevent public figures from celebrating the accomplishments of Nigerian athletes.
He further criticised what he described as the worsening political divisions in the country, arguing that national unity and mutual respect must take precedence over partisan interests.
“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.
The Flamingos secured their place in football history after overcoming Japan 2-1 in the final to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Goals from Awawu Bashiru in the 39th minute and Oluebube Umejiaku two minutes into the second half proved decisive, despite Japan pulling one back in the 80th minute.
Umejiaku’s outstanding performance also earned her the Player of the Match award and the tournament’s Golden Ball prize.
Nigeria’s young champions reached the final after recovering from a 2-1 opening defeat to Poland and subsequently winning their remaining six matches. Their impressive campaign included a semi-final victory over Brazil before they overcame Japan to claim the title.
The team arrived in Abuja on Monday, where they received a warm welcome from officials of the Nigeria Football Federation and enthusiastic supporters celebrating their historic accomplishment.
Head coach Hakeem Busari attributed the triumph to the players’ commitment, discipline and determination. He maintained that the achievement was not accidental but reflected years of preparation and sustained development.
President Bola Tinubu also congratulated the team, describing their victory as a significant source of national pride and an important breakthrough for women’s football across Africa. He praised the players, technical crew and football administrators for their contributions to the historic success.
Similarly, FIFA President Gianni Infantino commended the Flamingos during the trophy presentation and in an official statement, celebrating their achievement on the global football stage.
