Peter Obi Accuses NFF of Blocking Him from Greeting Victorious U-17 Girls
Nigerian presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting the victorious Nigeria U-17 girls' football team upon their arrival at the airport.
Obi claimed that he arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. on Monday to catch a flight to Enugu, only to discover that the Under-17 women's football team was preparing to leave for town.
Upon inquiring if he could greet the players, Obi's Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, was informed that his request had been denied by NFF officials.
The officials reportedly warned that they would lose their jobs if Obi attempted to greet the team.
This incident is reminiscent of a similar occurrence on March 25, 2025, when Obi attended a World Cup qualifier match in Uyo, where he was welcomed by the governor at the VIP stand but was later prevented from greeting the players.
In a statement, Obi described the events as an example of what he termed "toxic politics" in Nigeria.
"The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation," Obi wrote.
The presidential candidate emphasized the importance of unity, mutual respect, and shared humanity in the country.
Obi's claims come amidst ongoing tensions between the Nigerian government and the football governing body, as the country's football team has recently experienced political interference and controversy.
Peter Obi's allegations add to the ongoing discussion surrounding the role of politics in sports in Nigeria.
Nigeria's Presidential Candidate Accuses NFF of Blocking Greeting
- Nigerian presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting the victorious U-17 girls' football team upon their arrival at the airport.
- Obi claimed that his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, found out that his request to greet the players was denied by NFF officials, who warned that they would lose their jobs if he approached the team.
- The incidents recall Obi's earlier experience at a World Cup qualifier match in Uyo on March 25, 2025, when he was welcomed by the governor at the VIP stand but later prevented from greeting the players.
- Peter Obi described the situation as an example of the "toxic politics" prevalent in Nigeria.
- Obi's claims come amid ongoing tensions between the Nigerian government and the football governing body, following political interference and controversy surrounding the nation's football teams.
- The accusations add to the ongoing discussion regarding the role of politics in sports in Nigeria.
Nigerian Presidential Candidate Peter Obi Accuses NFF of Hindering Greeting
Nigerian presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting the victorious U-17 girls' football team upon their arrival at the airport.
Obi claimed that his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, discovered that his request to greet the players was denied by NFF officials, who warned that they would lose their jobs if he approached the team.
The incidents echo Obi's prior encounter at a World Cup qualifier match in Uyo on March 25, 2025, when he was welcomed by the governor at the VIP stand but was later prevented from greeting the players.
Obi described the situation as an example of the "toxic politics" prevalent in Nigeria.
Obi's claims add to the ongoing discussion regarding the role of politics in sports in Nigeria.
The accusations come amid ongoing tensions between the Nigerian government and the football governing body, following political interference and controversy surrounding the nation's football teams.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>