National Sports Commission Demands Apology from Peter Obi Over Flamingos Airport Incident
The National Sports Commission has accused Peter Obi of politicizing the return of the U-17 women’s national team, demanding an apology for claims of being denied access to the players.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has formally requested an unreserved apology from Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), following a dispute regarding the reception of the U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos. The team recently returned to Nigeria following their participation in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Nature of the Dispute
The controversy stems from allegations made by Obi, who claimed that officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from greeting the players upon their arrival at the Abuja airport. According to the NSC, these claims misrepresent the events that took place during the team’s early morning arrival.
In a statement issued on November 9, 2026, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko rejected the narrative of political intimidation. Dikko stated that officials accompanying the team reported that two individuals wearing campaign attire associated with Obi approached them to request a photo session with the players. The request was reportedly denied because the players had arrived at 5:30 a.m. following a demanding tournament and were fatigued.
NSC Position on Player Welfare
Dikko emphasized that the decision to decline the request was based on the welfare of the athletes rather than political considerations. He noted that the Flamingos are minors and are subject to strict safeguarding protocols, which regulate access to the players to ensure their protection and well-being. The NSC maintains that the request for an interaction was unscheduled and had not been coordinated with the Commission or the NFF prior to the team’s arrival.
Furthermore, the NSC chairman questioned the logistics of the encounter, noting that Obi stated he was at the airport to board a flight to Enugu. Dikko pointed out that domestic flights typically depart from a different terminal than the international terminal where the team arrived. He asserted that other passengers and airport staff were able to interact with the players freely, suggesting that the incident was not a targeted exclusion.
Broader Allegations and FIFA Protocols
The NSC also addressed a separate allegation from Obi regarding a previous incident in Uyo on March 25, 2025, during a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. Obi had alleged he was denied access to the Super Eagles’ dressing room. Dikko refuted this, explaining that the players had chosen to hold a private meeting after the match and that no dignitaries, including himself or other government officials, were granted access.
Dikko highlighted that dressing room access is governed by strict FIFA protocols, which require formal accreditation. He argued that portraying these administrative and safety-based decisions as political victimization creates a “toxic narrative” that detracts from the achievements of the athletes.
Conclusion
The NSC has invited Obi and other interested parties to coordinate future meetings or events through formal channels with the Commission or the NFF to ensure appropriate arrangements. As of the time of the NSC’s statement, the Commission maintains that the focus should remain on the development and support of national teams rather than political engagement. Information regarding any direct response from Peter Obi to the NSC’s demand for an apology was not available at the time of reporting.
<
p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria
Enjoyed this story?
Get more important stories from ViralBrief delivered directly to your inbox.
Join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first to share a thoughtful response.