RismadarVoice Reporters
November 10, 2026
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has demanded an apology from Peter Obi over his allegation that officials prevented him from meeting Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, rejected the allegation in a statement issued on Monday, insisting that the decision to decline a proposed meeting was based on the players’ welfare rather than political considerations.
Obi had alleged that officials prevented him from congratulating the players because they feared losing their jobs if they allowed him access.
However, Dikko said officials of the NSC and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) who received the team reported that they did not see Obi near the players.
According to him, two individuals wearing Obi’s campaign-branded clothing approached officials requesting a meeting and photographs with the players.
He explained that the request was declined because no prior arrangement had been made and the young athletes had just completed a demanding international competition.
The Flamingos reportedly arrived from Morocco at approximately 5:30 a.m. aboard an Air Maroc flight.
Dikko maintained that the players, who are minors, deserved adequate rest and protection from unnecessary pressure.
He also disputed suggestions that Obi was deliberately excluded, noting that the former Anambra State governor had reportedly been travelling to Enugu through the domestic terminal, while the team arrived through the international terminal.
The NSC chairman said other passengers and airport personnel freely celebrated with the players, taking photographs and congratulating them.
He urged Obi to withdraw his allegations and apologise to the team, arguing that their historic achievement should not become a subject of political controversy.
Dikko also addressed Obi’s earlier claim that he was prevented from entering the Super Eagles’ dressing room following Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25, 2025.
He explained that the players had requested a private meeting after the disappointing result and that access was restricted for all dignitaries, including government officials.
According to him, FIFA accreditation and security protocols also regulate access to dressing rooms and other restricted areas.
The controversy follows Nigeria’s historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where the Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 on November 7.
The victory made Nigeria the first African nation to win the competition.
Dikko urged Nigerians to celebrate the players’ achievement and advised individuals seeking to meet national teams to make formal arrangements through the NSC or NFF.
