NSC Demands Apology From Peter Obi Over Flamingos’ Airport Reception

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has demanded an apology from former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi over his comments on the reception of Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In a statement issued on Monday, November 9, and signed by its chairman, Shehu Dikko, the commission rejected Obi’s account of the incident, accusing him of politicising the team’s World Cup achievement.

The NSC said its officials did not see Obi around the players when they arrived from Morocco at about 5:30 a.m. It explained that two individuals wearing campaign-branded caps and clothing approached officials to request a meeting or photograph with the team, but the request was declined because there had been no prior arrangement and the players were tired after their trip.

The commission also disputed claims that Obi was deliberately excluded, saying he was at the domestic terminal while the team arrived through the international terminal. It added that passengers and other members of the public celebrated the players on arrival.

Describing the players as minors whose welfare must be protected, the NSC said their achievement “must not be politicised” and called on Obi to offer an “unreserved apology” to the team.

The commission also addressed Obi’s earlier claim that he was prevented from visiting the Super Eagles’ dressing room after Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25, 2025. Dikko said no dignitary was allowed into the dressing room after the match, as the players had requested a private meeting.

The NSC maintained that football should unite Nigerians across political, ethnic and religious differences, stressing that the national teams “belong to all Nigerians.”