President Bola Tinubu's aide, Dada Olusegun, has slammed presidential candidate Peter Obi for lamenting that he was prevented access to greet the Flamingos who just won the U-17 Women's World Cup.

Obi, in a statement on Monday, said he saw the Flamingos team at the airport while he was waiting for his flight.

He said his attempt to approach and greet them for their success was kicked against by officials of the Nigerian Football Federation.

He described the situation as the new dimension of toxic politics that Nigeria has developed since 2025,

Obi wrote, "I arrived at the airport at 7 a.m. this morning to board my flight to Enugu. There, I saw the Nigeria Under-17 girls' team, which had just arrived and was preparing to board its vehicle into town.

"With genuine joy and enthusiasm, I asked my Protocol Officer, Jackie Wayas, to find out whether I could greet and welcome the team. 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.

"Regrettably, this is not the first time I have been subjected to such treatment. On March 25, 2025, I was in Uyo for the World Cup qualifier. The governor warmly received me and welcomed me at the VIP stand. Following the match, other government officials went to greet the players, but I was again prevented from doing so. I was told by the officials that they would lose their jobs if I proceeded.

"It is deeply troubling to witness the extent of toxic politics into which our nation has descended since 2025. Each year appears to bring further deterioration. This reflects how deeply Nigeria has been affected.

"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."

Reacting, Tinubu's aide described Obi's claims as victim narrative, just as he kicked against politicization of sports

He shared on X, "The constant attempt by the opposition to politicize our national sports teams and institutions is highly distasteful.

"Our national athletes, including the Under-17 girls' team, represent the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria, not any specific political party or individual ambition. Protocol guidelines around national teams are designed strictly to protect young athletes from political exploitation, commercial distractions, and unnecessary media circuses while on official duty.

"To spin standard security and administrative protocols into a narrative of political victimization is a disservice to the unity that sports are meant to foster in our country.

"Mr Peter Obi, I hope you will reflect on your manipulative way of life and stop weaponizing unverified hearsay to build a victim narrative. Let our athletes focus on winning for Nigeria, free from political theater. Thank you."

ASA