According to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, the controversy surrounding former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s alleged attempt to meet Nigeria’s victorious U-17 women’s football team, the Flamingos, at the Abuja airport has been misrepresented.

Obi had reportedly claimed that he was prevented from meeting the young footballers following their return from the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The incident generated public debate, with Nigerians expressing different opinions about the circumstances surrounding the alleged refusal.

In a statement dated November 9, 2026, published by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Dikko provided an explanation of what allegedly happened at the airport.

According to the NSC chairman, officials from the commission and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), who were present to welcome the players, said they did not personally see Obi among the team. However, they acknowledged that two individuals wearing campaign-related materials associated with the former presidential candidate approached them and requested an opportunity for Obi to meet the players and take photographs with them.

Dikko explained that the request was declined because there had been no prior arrangement with the relevant authorities. He added that the Flamingos arrived at approximately 5:30 a.m. after an exhausting international journey and needed adequate rest rather than additional engagements.

The NSC chairman also questioned the circumstances surrounding Obi’s presence at the airport, noting that he was reportedly preparing to travel to Enugu. Dikko pointed out that passengers travelling on domestic flights would ordinarily use the domestic terminal, while the Flamingos arrived through the international terminal.

He further maintained that members of the public were allowed to welcome the players, celebrate their achievement, take photographs and interact with them before they departed in their buses.

Dikko accused Obi of introducing political considerations into an incident that should have focused on celebrating the young athletes. He also urged the former presidential candidate to apologise to the players for allegedly shifting public attention away from their achievement.

The NSC chairman referenced a similar disagreement involving Obi and the Super Eagles in Uyo in March 2025, when access to the team's dressing room was restricted.

He concluded by advising anyone interested in meeting the Flamingos to make arrangements through the NSC or NFF, stressing that the welfare and protection of the players must remain the priority.

https://x.com/aonanuga1956/status/2120057517661135178?a=MIm7gLHG-fAcg5Ht4Nw&s=08