“I was informed that officials of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had refused and had requested that I not approach them because, if I did, they would all lose their jobs,” he wrote.
He recalled that it was not the first time he had allegedly been prevented from interacting with members of a Nigerian national team.
He revealed that on March 25, 2025, when he travelled to Uyo for a World Cup qualifying match, the state governor warmly received him at the VIP stand.
But said that after the match, when other government officials went to greet the players, he was prevented from doing the same.
According to him, the officials again claimed they would lose their jobs if he proceeded to greet the players.
Obi regretted the worsening culture of toxic politics since 2025, noting that the situation deteriorates with each passing year.
“The new Nigeria we aspire to build must have no room for hostility, intimidation, or discrimination, regardless of political affiliation.
“It must be a Nigeria in which unity, mutual respect, and our shared humanity take precedence over political differences,” he said.
The Flamingos arrived Abuja on Monday after winning the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.