On Saturday, May 31, 2025, I witnessed a moment that crystallized Nigeria’s challenges in uniting as a nation. Accompanying His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi to London for a series of events, I saw firsthand how even a unifying occasion like football can be tainted by political interference. This experience, shared here for stakeholders, underscores the urgent need for a Nigeria where no voice is stifled, and every citizen is equal.
The day began on a high note at the London Business School, where Mr. Obi participated in a Fireside Chat hosted by the Africa Business Club. The theme, “From Promise to Prosperity: Charting Africa’s Development with Political Will and Vision,” sparked an inspiring discussion. Mr. Obi’s insights on leadership and development captivated the audience, with a lively Q&A session that left everyone energized.
From there, we headed to Brentford Community Stadium for the Unity Cup Final, where Nigeria faced Jamaica. At the entrance, we ran into D’Banj, who was set to perform. We quietly took our seats near the Nigerian team, blending into the vibrant crowd of mostly young Nigerians. The match was electric, ending in a 2-2 draw that led to a tense penalty shootout. As the excitement peaked, the crowd began chanting, “Obi! Obi! Obi!” Some players noticed him, their faces lighting up with recognition.
Ever humble, Mr. Obi stepped back to avoid distracting from the game, cheering the team from a distance. Nigeria’s victory in the shootout brought jubilation, and some officials invited him to join the post-match photo session—a gesture of goodwill, or so it seemed. True to his principles, Mr. Obi asked them to confirm with higher authorities. What followed was a chilling shift.
One official, after a brief phone call, returned with a hardened demeanor. “He is not allowed to take pictures with the team!” he barked. Moments earlier, these same officials had been thrilled by Mr. Obi’s presence. The sudden change was jarring, a clear sign that a directive had come from above. The atmosphere turned cold.
The situation escalated when a player, undeterred, tried to approach Mr. Obi to greet him. From the pitch, a voice bellowed, “You have been told not to greet him!” Security physically blocked the player, who, visibly upset, stormed off to the dressing room. Efforts to connect with the team afterward were met with the same resistance as if Mr. Obi’s presence was a threat.
Meanwhile, fans—Nigerian and Jamaican alike—flocked to him for photos, unbothered by the politics swirling around. To them, he was simply a leader they admired. Their warmth stood in stark contrast to the officials’ hostility.
As we left the stadium, I couldn’t shake the realization: even football, a sport meant to unite, had been weaponized by politics. This incident was a microcosm of Nigeria’s broader struggle—a nation where influence and directives can silence voices and divide communities.
For stakeholders, this moment is a call to action. By 2027, we must commit to building a Nigeria where no one is sidelined for their affiliations and where leaders like Peter Obi can inspire without fear of suppression. A nation united not by politics but by shared dreams of equality and progress.
Maazi Ezeoke is a Nigerian commentator and advocate for good governance.
