NSC rejects Peter Obi’s claims of political exclusion over Flamingos airport reception
Abdullateef Fowewe
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has rejected claims by former Anambra State governor Peter Obi that he was politically excluded from meeting Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, upon their return to Abuja as FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup champions.
In a press statement signed by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, the Commission said Obi’s portrayal of the airport reception as an act of political exclusion was inaccurate and unfair to the young players.
“The National Sports Commission rejects Mr Peter Obi’s portrayal of the Flamingos’ reception at the Abuja airport as an act of political exclusion,” the statement began.
“Their achievement should unite the country and must not be drawn into partisan controversy.”
According to NSC and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials who received the team, they did not see Obi near the players.
Two individuals in Peter Obi campaign face caps approached them requesting a meeting and photographs that “would also likely involve campaign materials.”
The players arrived on an Air Maroc flight at about 5:30 a.m. and were tired after the competition.
Officials declined the unscheduled request in the interest of the players’ welfare, the statement said.
“Nothing in the account provided by the officials supports the suggestion that their jobs were at risk.”
The NSC noted that Obi said he was at the airport to board a flight to Enugu, which would normally depart from the domestic terminal, while the Flamingos arrived through the international terminal.
“Mr. Obi was never captured anywhere near the team and or at the vicinity of the international wing of the Airport,” it added.
Celebrations by other Nigerians present proceeded freely, with people taking pictures, dancing and shaking hands with the players.
Dikko took “strong exception” to Obi presenting the episode as political intimidation without first seeking clarification from the NFF or NSC.
He called on the former presidential candidate to apologise.
“I urged and advised that His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi reflect deeply and offer an unreserved apology to these young girls for souring their moment of glory with his regrettable actions, subsequent statement and media interviews deliberately weaponising a non-issue for political gain.”
The statement emphasised that the Flamingos are minors and have a dedicated safeguarding official.
“Our young athletes must not be used to suggest allegiance to any political party,” the statement added.
It also addressed Obi’s earlier claim that he was prevented from visiting the Super Eagles dressing room after a 2025 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uyo.
Dikko said he sat on the same row as Obi that day and that the players declined all visitors, including governors and officials, because they wanted a private meeting after the unfavourable result.
FIFA match protocols further restricted access.
“Football is our National Asset that brings Nigerians together across ethnic, religious, and political differences,” the statement concluded.
“Our national teams belong to every Nigerian. The Flamingos have earned the country’s admiration, and their World Cup victory should strengthen our unity. It must not become another platform for partisan division.”
The NSC invited Obi and others wishing to meet the team to make formal requests through the proper channels.
