Obi could have waved at Flamingos like other Nigerians — NIS DG

Philip Shaibu, head of the National Institute for Sports, has stated that presidential candidate Peter Obi could have waved at the victorious Nigeria Under-17 women’s football team, known as the Flamingos, like any other Nigerian. Shaibu, during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, addressed the controversy surrounding claims that NFF officials prevented Obi from greeting the players at Abuja airport.

Shaibu argued that the support given to the team before and during the competition was more significant than celebrating their victory. He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu personally called the team before, during, and after the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, which he considered more important than after the win. Shaibu noted that the President's personal calls were crucial in maintaining the team's morale, especially during challenging moments in the tournament.

He also mentioned that the players were deserving of celebration but stressed that attention should also be given to the support and preparation that contributed to their success. The NIS boss insisted that the President's direct communication with athletes was a vital source of encouragement. Shaibu defended NFF officials' decision not to allow Obi to greet the players, stating that everyone could have waved at the team like other Nigerians.

He also recounted his own experience of waving at an opposing team's players at an airport and allowing them to continue their journey, acknowledging that teams sometimes have restrictions on interacting with people while traveling. Shaibu concluded by urging Obi to apologize to the players for any inconvenience caused, emphasizing that their achievement should not be overshadowed by the controversy.