NSC Demands Apology From Peter Obi Over Flamingos Airport Reception Controversy

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has asked the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, to apologise to members of Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following a dispute over their reception at the Abuja airport.

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko made the demand in a statement issued on Monday, rejecting Obi’s account that he was prevented from meeting the players because of his political affiliation. Dikko said officials of the commission and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) who received the team reported that they did not see the former Anambra State governor near the players.

According to Dikko, two individuals wearing Obi-branded campaign caps and other political clothing approached officials to request a meeting and photo session between the politician and the players. He said the request was declined because it was unexpected, had not been arranged in advance and could have involved campaign materials.

The NSC chairman explained that the Flamingos arrived from Morocco at about 5:30 a.m. aboard an Air Maroc flight and were exhausted after their journey and demanding World Cup campaign. He said the decision was taken to protect the players’ welfare, adding that they were minors with a designated safeguarding official responsible for their protection.

Dikko also disputed claims that officials feared losing their jobs if they allowed Obi to meet the team. He noted that Obi had said he was at the airport to board a flight to Enugu, which would ordinarily depart from the domestic terminal, while the Flamingos arrived through the international terminal. He added that passengers and airport officials welcomed the players, took photographs with them and celebrated their achievement.

The commission chairman criticised Obi for presenting the incident as political intimidation without first seeking clarification from the NSC or NFF. He said the controversy had shifted attention away from the team’s World Cup triumph and urged the politician to offer an unreserved apology to the young players.
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Dikko also addressed Obi’s separate claim that he was prevented from visiting the Super Eagles’ dressing room after Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo on March 25, 2025. He said the players had requested a private meeting after the disappointing result and declined to receive visitors. According to him, the restriction applied to everyone, including Obi, himself, the governors present and senior NFF officials.

He further explained that FIFA rules restrict access to dressing rooms and other technical areas to accredited individuals or those who obtain prior approval through the football federation. Dikko warned that violations could expose the NFF to sanctions, including fines or restrictions on the stadium. He urged Obi and other Nigerians interested in meeting the Flamingos to submit formal requests to the NSC or NFF, insisting that the team’s historic achievement should remain a source of national unity rather than political division.