Says they pleaded to save their jobs
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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has accused the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) of preventing him from greeting Nigeria’s victorious Under-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, at the airport, alleging that officials feared losing their jobs if they allowed him to approach the players.
Obi said the incident occurred on Monday morning when he arrived at the airport to board a flight to Enugu and sighted the team, which had just returned from its international engagement.
He said he had asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could greet and welcome the players, but was informed that NFF officials had pleaded with him not to approach the team because they could lose their jobs.
Describing the incident as a new dimension of toxic politics in Nigeria, Obi said the development reflected the growing intolerance and discrimination in the country since 2025.
In a statement posted on his X handle, the former Anambra State governor said: “I arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. this morning to board my flight to Enugu. There, I saw the Nigeria Under-17 girls’ team, which had just arrived and was preparing to board its vehicle into town.
“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 said the airport incident was not the first time he had been prevented from interacting with Nigerian athletes, recalling a similar experience during the 2026 World Cup qualifier in Uyo on 25 March 2025.
According to him, although the Akwa Ibom State governor warmly received him at the VIP stand during the match, he was prevented from greeting the players after the game.
“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,” he said.
Expressing concern over what he described as the deterioration of political tolerance, Obi said Nigeria appeared to be witnessing increasing hostility driven by political differences.
“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,” he said.
He called for an end to political hostility and discrimination, insisting that national unity and mutual respect should take precedence over partisan considerations.
“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 precedence over political differences. A new Nigeria is possible,” Obi added.
(The Sun)