The Nigerian U-17 women’s football team, known as the Flamingos, recently celebrated a landmark achievement by winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, defeating Japan 2-1. In the wake of their victory, Peter Obi, a presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has alleged that officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) barred him from greeting the players upon their return.
Obi reported that as he was preparing to board a flight to Enugu at the airport, he noticed the victorious team and asked his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to inquire if he could greet them. He claimed to have been informed that NFF officials had explicitly advised against such interactions, warning that any officials who permitted him to approach the team would risk losing their jobs.
In a statement shared on his official X platform, Obi criticized this incident as indicative of what he describes as a troubling trend of toxic politics within the country. He recounted a similar situation during a World Cup qualifying match in Uyo on March 25, 2025, where he was also reportedly prevented from congratulating the players while other officials were allowed to do so.
Obi expressed dismay at the politicization of public celebrations, arguing that political differences should not hinder national pride in achievements such as this victory. He stated, “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.”
His comments come after the Flamingos received a warm welcome back to Nigeria, where they were praised for their resilience and determination, especially in light of their challenging journey through the tournament that included recovering from an initial loss to Poland.
In related remarks, President Bola Tinubu lauded the team for their accomplishment, describing it as a significant moment for both Nigeria and African women’s football. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also recognized the Flamingos’ success during the trophy presentation, underscoring the importance of their achievement on an international scale.
