Peter Obi’s airport visit to meet U-17 girls was for publicity, not support – NIS DG
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, criticized the recent airport visit by Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), intended to welcome the victorious Flamingos national football team. Shaibu suggested that Obi’s appearance was more about seeking publicity than genuinely supporting the team.
In an interview with Channels Television, Shaibu emphasized that the most valuable support for the players came from President Bola Tinubu, who provided motivation before and during their matches. “The President will not play to the gallery, and the First Lady will not play to the gallery. Going to the airport to want to see them is playing to the gallery, as far as I am concerned,” Shaibu stated.
According to Shaibu, Tinubu made personal calls to players at various stages of the competition, gestures he believes had a greater impact than an airport reception. He argued that encouragement from the President during challenging times can help players regain their confidence and refocus on future matches.
Recalling his past experiences in sports administration as a former deputy governor, Shaibu remarked on the difficulty of encouraging state governors to engage directly with players. He praised Tinubu’s willingness to connect with the team, reflecting the importance he places on their performance and welfare.
Additionally, Shaibu defended the football officials who prevented Obi from approaching the players, noting that teams often have established protocols regarding their interactions with guests. He suggested that the Flamingos may have been instructed to acknowledge attendees at the airport without further engagement.
“Obi could have simply stood at the airport and waved at the girls like everyone else. A wave would have been enough; there was no need to turn it into a publicity show,” Shaibu added.
