Peter Obi Attends Ikorodu City Win, Sparks Stadium Debate

Nigerian football fans are currently tearing into Ikorodu City FC online. The Lagos-based club secured a massive 2-0 victory against reigning NPFL champions Enugu Rangers on Sunday.

However, the drama off the pitch is completely overshadowing their impressive win.

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, attended the Matchday Six clash. He sat in the stands at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena alongside Ikorodu City President Sanmi Doherty. Fans quickly rushed the former Anambra governor for photos during the halftime break.

The club's official media team capitalized on the moment. They posted a video on X highlighting his presence. The caption proudly read: "Welcome to Lagos, @PeterObi".

Then, things took a very strange turn. Hours later, Ikorodu City abruptly deleted the post. This sudden removal immediately sparked a massive stadium debate across Nigerian social media.

The "No Politics" Defense Falls Flat

Olawale Quadri, a director at Ikorodu City FC, quickly jumped online to defend the deletion. He claimed the club pulled the post down simply to stay out of politics. He described Obi's stadium appearance as a calculated political move.

But Nigerian football fans aren't buying that excuse.

Many supporters feel the club shot itself in the foot. Sports journalist Olawale Adigun publicly slammed the team's management. He pointed out a glaring double standard regarding political interference.

Just recently, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu postponed the highly anticipated Lagos Derby. The stadium was needed to host a political prayer meeting. Adigun noted the club stayed completely silent about that disruption. Yet, they panicked over a simple welcome photo of Obi.

A Missed Marketing Opportunity

The Nigeria Premier Football League desperately needs more visibility. Getting high-profile political figures in the stands naturally boosts the league's profile.

Fans argue that Obi’s presence offered a free marketing gift. By deleting the post, Ikorodu City fumbled a rare chance to grow its audience and trend organically. People who normally ignore local matches were suddenly paying attention, as reported extensively by Punch Newspapers.

Football and politics often mix heavily in this country. We constantly see government influence in sports administration at the highest levels. Just look at the recent political friction that made FIFA and CAF suspend NFF elections in Nigeria. The lines between state affairs and football frequently blur.

Instead of riding the high of their incredible win over Rangers, Ikorodu City is battling a PR nightmare. They let an unnecessary political panic hijack their historic moment.

Now, the conversation isn't about their solid defense or brilliant goals. It focuses entirely on their social media blunder. If NPFL clubs truly want to grow, they must learn how to handle the spotlight without flinching.