NSC Rejects Peter Obi's Claims on Flamingos' Return

The National Sports Commission (NSC) responded to Peter Obi's assertion that the Flamingos were prevented from meeting him at the Abuja airport after their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup victory. The Flamingos, who defeated Japan 2-1 to become the first African team to win the title, returned on a flight from Morocco early Monday morning.

NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko stated that officials who welcomed the team reported no sighting of Obi near the players. Instead, two individuals wearing Obi campaign caps approached officials for a photo opportunity with the players, which was declined due to the players' fatigue and lack of prior arrangement.

Dikko emphasized that the Flamingos, being minors, should not be used for political purposes and urged Obi to apologize for politicizing the event. He also dismissed Obi's claim about being barred from visiting the Super Eagles after a match in March 2025, clarifying that the players chose not to receive visitors following their defeat.