According to a report by The Punch on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the euphoria surrounding the Flamingos’ historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph in Morocco has taken a contentious political twist, prompting a sharp rebuke from the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The commission has strongly dismissed claims by the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, that he was deliberately barred by football officials from greeting the victorious players at the Abuja airport, demanding an unreserved apology from the politician.
The fiery response came via an official statement released on Monday by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, titled ‘NSC Responds to Peter Obi: Flamingos’ World Cup Victory Must Not Be Politicised.’
The controversy erupted after Obi alleged that he was prevented from congratulating the team upon their return to Abuja on Monday following their 2–1 victory over Japan in the final.
Claiming he had merely sought to greet the players while heading for an Enugu-bound flight, the former Anambra State governor accused officials of political intimidation and fostering toxic politics.
However, the NSC presented a vastly different account of the morning events at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
According to Dikko, officials accompanying the squad never saw Obi anywhere near the team or the international terminal—noting that domestic departures (where Obi claimed to be heading) and international arrivals are housed in separate zones.
Instead, Dikko revealed that two individuals donning Peter Obi campaign caps and branded attire approached officials demanding an unscheduled photo opportunity.
“According to their account, two individuals wearing Peter Obi campaign face caps and other attire approached them to request that Mr Obi meet and take photographs with the players. The proposed arrangement would also likely involve campaign materials,” Dikko stated.
The NSC chairman explained that officials exercised sound judgment in turning down the sudden request, citing the players’ physical exhaustion after a grueling 5:30 am arrival from Morocco, combined with strict child-safeguarding protocols.
Because the Flamingos are minors, Dikko emphasized that the technical crew maintains a dedicated safeguarding officer to protect players from undue pressure and ensure they are never used as props to project political allegiance.
Dikko also referenced past incidents, debunking Obi’s claims of a recurring pattern of political victimization—such as a previous claim regarding a locked dressing room after a World Cup qualifier in Uyo, noting that strict FIFA protocols and internal team meetings barred all dignitaries equally at the time.
Concluding his address, the NSC chief urged political figures to respect sports as a unifying national asset rather than weaponizing athletic achievements for partisan gains, calling on Obi to tender an apology to the young heroines for overshadowing their moment of global glory.
COURTESY: Big_pen10
