According to a report by The Punch on Monday, November 9, 2026, former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) stopped him from greeting members of the Flamingos following their historic triumph at the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.

Obi made the allegation in a statement titled “A New Dimension of Toxic Politics in Nigeria,” explaining that the incident occurred at Abuja airport at about 7 a.m. on Monday while he was preparing to travel to Enugu.

He said he spotted members of Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national team, who had returned from Morocco after winning the tournament, and was eager to congratulate the players on their achievement.

According to Obi, he instructed his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to approach the relevant officials and seek permission for him to meet and greet the team.

However, he claimed that his request was rejected by NFF officials, who allegedly warned that they risked losing their jobs if they allowed him to interact with the players.

The former governor described the experience as another indication of what he believes is increasing political intolerance in the country.

He also recalled a similar incident on March 25, 2025, when he travelled to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to watch a World Cup qualifying match.

Obi said he was welcomed by the state governor at the VIP stand before the match but was allegedly prevented from greeting the players after the game. He claimed that officials again threatened possible job losses if he proceeded.

In response, the Presidency challenged Obi’s interpretation of the airport incident, maintaining that national athletes represent the entire country and should not be associated with any political party or individual.

Presidential aide Dada Olusegun explained that protocol arrangements were intended to shield athletes from political exploitation, commercial distractions and unnecessary media attention.

The Presidency further argued that treating established security and administrative procedures as political victimisation could weaken the sense of national unity that sporting achievements are meant to encourage.

Meanwhile, the NFF had yet to issue a public response to Obi’s allegations at the time of the report.

The controversy comes after the Flamingos made history in Morocco by defeating Japan 2-1 in the final to become the first African nation to win the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.

Obi’s allegation has consequently brought renewed attention to the relationship between political figures and Nigeria’s sporting authorities, particularly during official receptions for national teams returning from major international competitions.