Photo: The Flamingos lift the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup trophy in Morocco — FIFA Women's World Cup / Instagram, via BellaNaija
FLAMINGOS WATCH — The National Sports Commission has formally rejected Peter Obi's account of the Flamingos' arrival at Abuja airport, with Chairman Shehu Dikko demanding an unreserved apology — and National Institute for Sports boss Philip Shaibu added on Tuesday that Obi could simply have waved like other Nigerians.
Dikko's statement, issued on Monday, is the commission's official position. It follows earlier replies from the Presidency, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade.
Why the NSC says Obi's account is wrong
Dikko said NSC and NFF officials who received the team did not see Obi near the players or the international terminal. The request, he said, came from two people in Obi campaign caps, who asked for a meeting and photographs.
The team had landed at about 5:30am, tired after the journey, he said. Officials declined the unscheduled request to protect the players' welfare, and no official's job was threatened, he added.
"I urged and advised that His Excellency Mr Peter Obi reflect deeply and offer an unreserved apology to these young girls for souring their moment of glory," Dikko said.
Shaibu says the airport visit was playing to the gallery
Shaibu, a former Edo deputy governor, told Channels Television's Morning Brief on Tuesday: "Mr Obi can stand at the airport and wave to them like every other person did."
"Going to the airport to want to see them is playing to the gallery, as far as I'm concerned," he said. President Tinubu, he argued, called the players before, during and after the tournament — support that mattered more than a post-victory appearance.
What Peter Obi said happened
Obi said he arrived at about 7am on Monday for an Enugu flight and sent his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to ask if he could greet the returning world champions. He said officials refused and warned staff could lose their jobs.
NTN has reported Obi's account as his allegation from the start. The NFF itself has still not issued its own separate statement.
What happens next
The Flamingos' presidential reception is still to be scheduled. A response from Obi to the NSC's apology demand would be the next chapter of FLAMINGOS WATCH.
Credit: National Sports Commission statement (Nov 9, 2026), reported by QNC News, The Network and Media Today (Nov 10, 2026); Channels Television Morning Brief, reported by The Nigerian News and Daily Observer (Nov 10, 2026).
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