“Obi Was Playing to the Gallery” – Shaibu Reveals Why Flamingos Were Stopped From Greeting Him

According to a report by Daily Post on Tuesday November 10, 2026, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has accused Peter Obi of seeking publicity through his airport visit to welcome Nigeria’s victorious Under-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, rather than demonstrating genuine support for the players.

Shaibu made the allegation during an interview on Channels Television, where he criticised the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate’s decision to meet the players after their successful campaign.

He argued that meaningful support should come when athletes are competing and facing difficult moments, rather than through public appearances after victories.

According to Shaibu, President Bola Tinubu personally contacted the Flamingos at different stages of the competition to encourage them, a gesture he said helped boost their morale and confidence.

He maintained that the president and the First Lady were not interested in publicity stunts, describing Obi’s airport appearance as an attempt to attract public attention.

“The President will not play to the gallery, and the First Lady will not play to the gallery. Going to the airport to want to see them is playing to the gallery, as far as I am concerned,” Shaibu said.

Drawing from his experience in sports administration as a former deputy governor, Shaibu recalled the difficulties officials previously encountered when trying to get state governors to speak directly with athletes in their dressing rooms.

He said Tinubu’s willingness to communicate personally with the players demonstrated his administration’s interest in their performance and welfare.

Shaibu also defended the officials who prevented Obi from personally greeting the team, explaining that sporting delegations sometimes operate under specific instructions governing their interactions with visitors.

He suggested that Obi could have acknowledged the players without expecting a special reception.

“Obi could have simply stood at the airport and waved at the girls like everyone else. A wave would have been enough; there was no need to turn it into a publicity show,” he said.

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