On Saturday, May 31, 2025, what began as a celebratory moment for Nigerians in London turned into a disturbing display of political bias—according to broadcaster and political analyst, Maazi Ezeoke, who says he witnessed how Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, was “systematically shut out” at the Unity Cup Final between Nigeria and Jamaica.
Ezeoke, who accompanied Mr Obi to the event, shared his account of the incident, which occurred shortly after Nigeria clinched victory in a penalty shootout following a 2–2 draw.
Earlier in the day, Mr Obi had attended a Fireside Chat at the London Business School, hosted by the Africa Business Club, where he spoke on “From Promise to Prosperity: Charting Africa’s Development with Political Will and Vision.” After the session, Obi and his team proceeded to Brentford Community Stadium, where they joined hundreds of diaspora Nigerians for the much-anticipated match.
As the game intensified, young fans in the stands began chanting “Obi! Obi! Obi!” in recognition of the former Anambra State governor. Some players also appeared to take notice.
To avoid becoming a distraction, Mr Obi reportedly stepped away from the team area, opting to watch the penalty shootout from a quiet corner. When Nigeria eventually won, officials approached him and invited him to join the players for a post-match photo session.
Then, everything changed.
“Suddenly, after a phone call, one official returned with a hardened face and barked: ‘He is not allowed to take pictures with the team!’” Ezeoke recounted. “These were the same officials who were visibly excited about Mr Obi’s presence just minutes earlier.”
The atmosphere, he said, shifted instantly. A player who attempted to greet Mr Obi after the photo session was warned from the pitch:
“You have been told not to greet him!”
Security personnel then physically blocked the player, who walked off the pitch in frustration.
Ezeoke added that even efforts to visit the team in the dressing room were met with similar rejection, citing “instructions from above.”
Despite the snub, fans from both Nigeria and Jamaica continued to approach Mr Obi for photos, showing him support that transcended political affiliation.
“Even in football—a sport meant to unite us—politics has been weaponised,” Ezeoke said. “That moment deepened my resolve: In 2027, we must build a country where no one is silenced based on party affiliation.”
As of the time of filing this report, no official explanation had been provided by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) or the event organisers regarding the treatment of Mr Obi at the venue.
