The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has publicly criticized Peter Obi over his attempt to seek exclusive access to Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their victory over Japan.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during a live interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief in Abuja, Shaibu stated that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) could have simply joined other supporters at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to wave at the team rather than demanding private audience.
Shaibu expressed strong disapproval of political figures seeking special access to national athletes upon their arrival. He explained that strict team management protocols are maintained to restrict guest interactions during travel in order to safeguard player focus and security.
Describing the bid for special access as an act of playing to the gallery, the NIS Director-General asserted that Obi had every opportunity to cheer the squad alongside ordinary citizens from designated public areas.
Addressing the broader political context around the team’s tournament run, Shaibu highlighted the federal administration’s active support for the squad.
He revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu maintained direct contact with the team, personally initiating calls to the dressing room to encourage the players before, during, and after key matches, including their decisive 2–1 victory against Japan.
In defense of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Shaibu dismissed allegations that officials deliberately blocked political figures from meeting the team, maintaining that standard administrative procedures were followed without bias.
He emphasized that the public celebration ought to remain focused entirely on the team’s historical achievement on the pitch rather than being converted into a venue for political debate.
The controversy unfolded after reports surfaced that Peter Obi was unable to directly meet and greet the Flamingos upon their return to Abuja following their U-17 World Cup campaign.
Sports administration officials have continued to stress that athlete focus and official protocols must remain paramount, warning against turning national team achievements into opportunities for political grandstanding.
