The Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has suggested that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi could have celebrated Nigeria’s victorious Flamingos from the airport without insisting on having direct access to the players.

Shaibu made the comments during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, where he discussed the controversy surrounding claims that Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials prevented Obi from welcoming the Under-17 women’s national team after their return to the country.

Obi had alleged that he was stopped from greeting the players when they arrived in Nigeria following their historic victory at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

However, Shaibu questioned why direct access to the players was necessary, arguing that the encouragement they received before and during the competition was more important than public celebrations after winning the trophy. He maintained that supporting athletes during difficult moments can have a greater impact on their performance and confidence.

The former Edo State deputy governor said President Bola Tinubu had demonstrated his commitment to the team by personally contacting the players at different stages of the tournament. According to him, the president's calls were particularly valuable when the Flamingos encountered challenges and needed motivation to remain focused.

Shaibu explained that encouragement from the country's leader could help players recover from disappointing performances, regain confidence and prepare mentally for subsequent matches. Although he acknowledged that the team deserved recognition and a warm reception, he insisted that the support provided throughout the competition should not be overlooked.

Drawing from his experience as a former footballer and his previous involvement in managing sports affairs in Edo State, Shaibu said it was not always easy to persuade political leaders to communicate directly with athletes. He therefore described Tinubu's willingness to speak with the players without external pressure as significant.

Asked whether the NFF was justified in preventing Obi from greeting the team, Shaibu said the former Anambra State governor could have remained at the airport and waved at the players like other Nigerians. He recalled seeing Enyimba players at an airport and choosing to wave at them after learning they were travelling.

Meanwhile, National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko challenged Obi's account, saying officials who welcomed the team reported that they did not see him around the international terminal or near the players. Dikko also urged Obi to apologise, arguing that the controversy should not overshadow the team's achievement.

The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in the final, becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.