Presidency tackles Obi over alleged prevention from greeting Flamingos
The Presidency has criticized opposition politicians for allegedly trying to politicize Nigeria’s national sports teams. The remarks follow claims from former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who stated that he was barred from greeting members of the victorious Flamingos soccer team at an airport.
Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, conveyed this stance in a post on X, describing efforts to create political narratives around national sports teams and institutions as inappropriate.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, asserted that officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from approaching the Under-17 women’s national team upon their return from the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
In response to Obi’s allegations, Olusegun emphasized that national athletes, including the Flamingos, represent the entire country rather than any political party or individual. He clarified that the protocols in place for national teams aim to shield young athletes from political exploitation, commercial distractions, and unnecessary media scrutiny during official duties.
“The constant attempt by the opposition to politicize our national sports teams and institutions is highly distasteful,” Olusegun stated. He urged, “Our national athletes represent the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria, not any specific political party or individual ambition.”
Addressing Obi directly, Olusegun encouraged him to reconsider what he characterized as a habit of manipulating situations and spreading unverified accounts to portray himself as a victim. “Mr. Peter Obi, I hope you will reflect on your manipulative way of life and stop weaponizing unverified hearsay to build a victim narrative. Let our athletes focus on winning for Nigeria, free from political theater,” he added.
Obi reported that he arrived at the airport at roughly 7 a.m. on Monday as he was preparing to travel to Enugu. He claimed that upon noticing the Flamingos, who had just returned from Morocco, he instructed his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to inquire whether he could greet the players. He alleged that NFF officials had objected to his approach, warning that they could lose their jobs if they allowed him to greet the team.
Additionally, Obi recalled a previous incident on March 25, 2025, when he was reportedly prevented from greeting members of Nigeria’s national football team after a World Cup qualifying match in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Expressing concern over what he termed a troubling trend of toxic politics, Obi urged the country to prioritize unity and mutual respect despite political differences.
The Flamingos returned to Abuja on Monday after their historic 2-1 victory over Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, marking Nigeria’s first title in the tournament.
