By Ben Efe 9.11.2026
Nigeria Football Federation Officials Monday blocked Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from having a handshake with the FIFA U-17 Women World Cup champions at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Obi writing on X explained that he happened to be at the Airport at the same time the team was being transported to town after they arrived from Morocco, and he decided to say well done to them.
“I arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. this morning to board my flight to Enugu. There, I saw the Nigeria Under-17 girls’ team, which had just arrived and was preparing to board its vehicle into town,” Obi Narrated.
“With genuine joy and enthusiasm, I asked my Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether I could greet and welcome the team. I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs.”
(Photo by Light Oriye Tamunotonye / AFP via Getty Images)
He added that this was not the first time he was being blocked from having a chat with a Nigeria football team.
“On March 25, 2025, I was in Uyo for the World Cup qualifier. The governor warmly received me and welcomed me at the VIP stand. Following the match, other government officials went to greet the players, but I was again prevented from doing so. I was told by the officials that they would lose their jobs if I proceeded.
“It is deeply troubling to witness the extent of toxic politics into which our nation has descended since 2025. Each year appears to bring further deterioration. This reflects how deeply Nigeria has been affected.”
Obi said that in the new Nigeria he aspires to build there would be no room for political “hostilities, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation. It must be a Nigeria in which unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity take precedence over political differences.”