A moment meant to unify Nigerians through sport turned politically charged on Saturday, May 31, when former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Mr. Peter Obi, was reportedly barred from celebrating with the Nigerian national football team following their victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup Final at Brentford Community Stadium, London.
The incident was detailed by political commentator and Obi ally, Maazi Ezeoke, who accompanied the former Anambra State Governor to the match after attending a fireside chat hosted by the Africa Business Club at the London Business School. The event, titled “From Promise to Prosperity: Charting Africa’s Development with Political Will and Vision,” featured Obi as a keynote speaker.
According to Ezeoke, Obi’s entrance at the stadium was met with overwhelming excitement from Nigerian fans, many of whom began chanting his name during the intense penalty shootout that decided the match. In an effort to avoid distracting from the game, Obi reportedly stepped away from his seat, continuing to support the Super Eagles from a discreet position.
After Nigeria’s hard-fought victory, some event officials invited Obi to join the team’s post-match photo session. However, Ezeoke recounted a sudden and dramatic shift in tone: after a phone call, one official allegedly returned with stern instructions, shouting, “He is not allowed to take pictures with the team!”
The refusal, coming just moments after the same officials had appeared enthusiastic about Obi’s presence, raised eyebrows among observers. “It was clear someone had given a directive,” Ezeoke said. The situation escalated when a Nigerian player attempted to greet Mr. Obi, only to be stopped by security, reportedly acting on similar orders. “You have been told not to greet him!” a voice allegedly boomed from the pitch.
Ezeoke described the player as visibly upset, walking off the field straight into the dressing room. Further efforts to allow Obi to meet the team privately were also allegedly blocked.
Despite the political tension, Obi remained composed, continuing to take photos and interact with jubilant Nigerian and Jamaican fans outside the official team circle.
Reflecting on the incident, Ezeoke wrote: “Even in football, a sport meant to unite us, politics has been weaponised. That moment deepened my resolve: In 2027, we must build a country where no one is silenced based on party affiliation.”