Philip Shaibu Responds to Peter Obi Over Flamingos Airport Controversy

According to a report by Punch on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has said former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi could have stood at the airport and waved at Nigeria’s victorious Flamingos like other Nigerians instead of seeking direct access to the players.

Shaibu made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief while commenting on the controversy surrounding allegations that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prevented Obi from welcoming the Under-17 women’s national team at the Abuja airport.

Obi had alleged that he was stopped from greeting the players when they returned to Nigeria on Monday following their historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

However, Shaibu questioned the importance of visiting the airport to celebrate the team, arguing that the encouragement players received before and during the competition was more valuable than public displays of affection after winning the trophy.

The former Edo State deputy governor maintained that President Bola Tinubu had demonstrated his support by personally contacting the players at different stages of the tournament.

According to him, such communication was particularly important when the team experienced difficult moments and needed encouragement to maintain their confidence.

Shaibu explained that hearing directly from the President could motivate players to put disappointing performances behind them and concentrate on their subsequent matches.

He acknowledged that the Flamingos deserved a warm reception and recognition for their achievement but insisted that the preparation and support provided before their success should receive greater attention.

The NIS boss also drew from his experience as a former footballer and his previous responsibilities overseeing sports in Edo State, noting that getting political leaders to communicate directly with players was not always easy.

He contrasted those experiences with what he described as Tinubu’s willingness to personally speak with the Flamingos without being pressured to do so.

When specifically asked whether NFF officials were right to prevent Obi from greeting the players, Shaibu responded that the former Anambra State governor could have remained at the airport and waved at the team like other Nigerians.

He further recalled an encounter with Enyimba players at an airport, explaining that he simply waved after learning that the team was travelling.

Meanwhile, National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko disputed Obi’s account, saying officials who received the Flamingos reported that they did not see him around the international terminal or near the players.

Dikko also urged Obi to apologise to the team, insisting that their achievement should not be overshadowed by the disagreement.

The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

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