Shaibu made the claim during an interview on Channels Television.

He argued that the most important support the players needed was the encouragement they received from President Bola Tinubu before and during their matches, rather than public appearances after securing victory.

"The President will not play to the gallery, and the First Lady will not play to the gallery. Going to the airport to want to see them is playing to the gallery, as far as I am concerned," Shaibu said.

He explained that receiving encouragement from the President during difficult moments could help players regain confidence and focus on their next matches.

Shaibu, who said he had previously been involved in sports administration as a deputy governor, recalled how difficult it was in the past to get state governors to speak directly with players in their dressing rooms.

He said Tinubu's willingness to personally reach out to the team showed the importance he attached to their performance and welfare.

He also defended the football officials who stopped Obi from greeting the players.

According to him, teams sometimes have instructions guiding their interactions with visitors.

Shaibu said the officials might have instructed the Flamingos to wave at people at the airport without engaging in personal interactions.

He added that Obi could have simply acknowledged the players like other people at the airport rather than expecting a special reception.

“Obi could have simply stood at the airport and waved at the girls like everyone else. A wave would have been enough; there was no need to turn it into a publicity show,” Shaibu said.