The National Sports Commission (NSC) has criticized Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, for allegedly politicizing the homecoming of Nigeria's U-17 women's national football team, the Flamingos, following their campaign at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, 2026, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko demanded an unreserved apology from the former Anambra State governor, stating that the political figure turned the athletes' celebration into an unnecessary controversy.
The friction began after Obi publicly claimed that officials from the [Nigeria Football Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NigeriaFootball Federation) (NFF) stopped him from greeting the players upon their arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. However, Dikko rejected the narrative, stating that accompanying officials did not spot the politician near the athletes. According to the NSC boss, two individuals wearing campaign face caps and related political apparel approached delegation handlers to request an impromptu meeting and photo session with the squad.
Why was the meeting declined?
Dikko explained that officials turned down the sudden request because the players landed early in the morning via an Air Maroc service at approximately 5:30 a.m. Following a demanding international tournament and an exhausting journey, the athletes needed rest. Furthermore, the delegation received no prior notification regarding the visit from Obi's camp or any political organization, prompting authorities to prioritize player welfare over political engagements.
The NSC chairman also questioned Obi's presence at the international terminal, noting that the politician had claimed he was at the airport to catch a domestic flight to Enugu, which typically operates from a different terminal. Dikko emphasized that ordinary passengers and airport staff freely celebrated, danced, and photographed the players without hindrance.
What did the NSC demand from Peter Obi?
The sports authority expressed disappointment that Obi chose to frame the standard protocol enforcement as political victimization without first verifying facts with the NSC or NFF. Dikko stated, "I urged and advised that His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi reflect deeply and offer an unreserved apology to these young girls for souring their moment of glory with his regrettable actions, subsequent statement and media interviews deliberately weaponising a non-issue for political gain."
Highlighting child safeguarding regulations, Dikko noted that the Flamingos are minors managed by designated safeguarding officials responsible for regulating access to protect their well-being. He cautioned against dragging underage athletes into partisan politics, maintaining that sports teams should remain neutral ground.
Addressing a separate allegation involving a March 25, 2025, World Cup qualifier between the Super Eagles and Zimbabwe in Uyo, Dikko dismissed claims that Obi was barred from the team dressing room. He clarified that the players requested privacy for a team meeting after the match, and strict FIFA protocols restricted access, preventing even high-ranking dignitaries and sports officials from entering.