By Sam Adah
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, accusing him of hypocrisy over his allegation that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented him from greeting the victorious Flamingos at the Abuja airport.
Keyamo’s reaction followed Obi’s account of an encounter with the Nigeria Under-17 women’s football team on Monday, November 9, after their return from Morocco, where they won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
In a post on his X account, the minister questioned Obi’s interest in associating with the team’s achievement, given his frequent criticisms of the country’s condition under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Keyamo suggested that Obi’s attempt to meet the players was motivated by a desire for publicity and photographs.
He wrote: “Mr Peter Obi, in all your public vituperations, you often say things akin to the fact that ‘Nigeria is finished’. So, why are you now so anxious to associate with a success story of the country or this government? Just for photo ops? You see the hypocrisy.”
Obi had earlier explained that he arrived at the Abuja airport at about 7 a.m. on Monday while preparing to board a flight to Enugu when he noticed the Flamingos returning from Morocco.
He said he was excited to see the players and instructed his protocol officer, Jackie Wayas, to enquire whether he could approach the team to congratulate them on their achievement.
However, according to Obi, he was informed that NFF officials had declined the request, allegedly warning that they risked losing their jobs if they allowed him to interact with the players.
The former Anambra State governor described the incident as evidence of what he called an increasing culture of political intolerance in the country.
He also recalled a similar experience in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on March 25, 2025, when he attended a World Cup qualifying match.
Obi said that although the state governor welcomed him at the VIP stand, he was subsequently prevented from greeting the players after the match.
He argued that political differences should not prevent Nigerians from interacting freely or celebrating achievements that bring honour to the country.
The NDC presidential candidate called for a society where citizens could relate with one another without intimidation, discrimination or restrictions based on political affiliation.
The controversy followed the Flamingos’ historic 2-1 victory over Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, making Nigeria the first African country to win the competition.
The triumph attracted widespread celebrations, with political leaders and Nigerians across the country congratulating the young footballers.
While Keyamo questioned Obi’s motive for seeking an encounter with the team, the former governor maintained that his intention was simply to congratulate the players.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Football Federation had yet to publicly respond to Obi’s allegation.
About the Author
