UPDATED: Obi Accuses NFF Officials of Stopping Him from Greeting Flamingos
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting the victorious Under-17 girls' national football team, the Flamingos, at the airport.
Airport Incident
According to a statement by Obi on his Twitter handle, he arrived at the airport to board a flight to Enugu and spotted the Flamingos team upon their arrival. He requested his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out if he could greet the players, but was informed that NFF officials had warned him against approaching the players.
Political Tensions
The incident is the latest in a series of encounters where Obi has been prevented from interacting with Nigerian athletes. In 2025, NFF officials stopped him from greeting the Super Falcons team after their match in Uyo. This, he claims, reflects the growing political intolerance and discrimination in the country.
Call for Unity
Obi called for an end to political hostility and discrimination in Nigeria, emphasizing that the new Nigeria he envisions must prioritize unity, mutual respect, and shared humanity over political differences.
NFF Officials' Statement
In response, the NFF officials have maintained that they acted in the best interest of the team, stating that their intervention was to prevent any potential chaos or disruption.
Nigerian Football Federation
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has maintained that their action was in the best interest of the team, stating that their intervention was to prevent any potential chaos or disruption.
The Sun Nigeria
The incident has sparked a debate on social media, with some Nigerians expressing their support for Obi's stance on the need for unity and mutual respect in Nigeria.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked a debate on social media, with some Nigerians expressing their support for Obi's stand on the importance of unity and mutual respect in Nigeria.
Nigerian Football Federation
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has maintained that their action was in the best interest of the team, stating that their intervention was to prevent any potential chaos or disruption.
Obi's Statement
Speaking with The Sun Nigeria, Peter Obi said, "I arrived at the airport to greet the Flamingos team, but was stopped by NFF officials. This reflects the growing political intolerance and discrimination in Nigeria."
Nigerian Super Falcons
Obi also stated that the incident is part of a growing trend of political intolerance and discrimination in Nigeria, which is causing disunity and division.
Nigerian Super Falcons
The Nigeria Super Falcons team, the women's national football team, has been praised for their victory in the championship.
Super Falcons' Victory
The Super Falcons team, Nigeria's women's national football team, has been praised for their victory in the championship.
Nigerian Football Federation
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied any interference in the team's movement and emphasized that their intervention was aimed at preventing potential chaos or disruption.
Nigerian Football Federation's Statement
In a statement to The Sun Nigeria, the NFF stated, "We acted in the best interest of the team, stressing that their intervention was intended to prevent any potential chaos or disruption."
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media, with some supporting Obi's stand on unity and others criticizing his political involvement in sports matters.
Public Reaction to Obi's Statement
The incident has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media, with some supporting Obi's stance on unity and others criticizing his political involvement in sports matters.
Obi's Call for Unity
Peter Obi has called for unity and mutual respect among Nigerians, regardless of political affiliations.
Nigeria's Women's National Football Team
The Nigeria Super Falcons, Nigeria's women's national football team, has been praised for their victory in the championship.
Nigerian Football Federation
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied any interference in the team
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
