Political candidate Peter Obi of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has claimed that he was prevented from meeting the Under-17 women’s football team at the airport by officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who he claims were afraid for their jobs if they did.
The team was getting ready to leave for town when Obi showed up at the airport at 7 a.m. on Monday to catch a flight to Enugu, according to Obi.
Apparently, he had approached his Protocol Officer Jackie Wayas to enquire about the possibility of him greeting the players, but she informed him that the NFF had declined his request.
Obi claims that the officials threatened to fire them if he made contact with the squad.
At a World Cup qualifier in Uyo on March 25, 2025, he also remembered a such incident.
Officials later barred Obi from congratulating the players following the game, despite the governor’s first welcome in the VIP stand, according to Obi.
The Nigeria we hope to create in the future must be free from bigotry, fear, and prejudice, irrespective of party affiliation,” Obi stated.