The NDC presidential candidate describes the alleged incident as another troubling example of toxic politics, recalling a similar experience during a World Cup qualifier in Uyo in March 2025.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as a growing culture of toxic politics in Nigeria after alleging that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from greeting members of the country's U-17 women's national team, the Flamingos, at an airport.

Obi said the incident happened on Monday morning when he arrived at the airport at about 7 a.m. to board a flight to Enugu.

According to him, he spotted the young footballers, who had just arrived, and felt compelled to approach them to congratulate and welcome them.

He said he subsequently instructed his Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether he could briefly meet the players.

However, Obi alleged that his request was turned down by NFF officials, who reportedly warned that they could lose their jobs if they allowed him to approach the team.

The former Anambra State governor expressed disappointment over the development, questioning why a simple gesture of goodwill towards young Nigerian athletes should become a subject of political controversy.

He also recalled a similar experience on March 25, 2025, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during a World Cup qualifying match, where he claimed he was equally prevented from greeting players because of concerns among officials.

Obi described the repeated incidents as disturbing, arguing that political differences should never be allowed to interfere with ordinary human interactions or undermine the country's collective identity.

He maintained that national unity, mutual respect and shared humanity should take precedence over partisan interests, particularly when it comes to celebrating Nigerian athletes who represent the country on the international stage.

The NDC candidate's allegation has once again drawn attention to concerns about the intersection of politics and sports administration in Nigeria, especially the need to keep national sporting institutions inclusive and free from unnecessary political divisions.

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