Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has sparked a major conversation in Nigerian football after he publicly backed Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as a potential future president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Martins made the comments during an appearance on the Obi One Podcast hosted by former Super Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel, where he discussed the ongoing leadership crisis in Nigerian football and the need for younger leaders to take charge of the country’s football administration .
What Obafemi Martins Said
Speaking on the podcast, Martins argued that Nigerian football needs a young leader who understands both the game and the administrative system. He described Seyi Tinubu as someone who fits that description .
“We just need someone that can help. A young person that understands the game, the system that can help us, and I think Seyi Tinubu can do that too,” Martins said .
The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United forward described Seyi Tinubu as “young and understands what Nigerian people want,” adding that he believes Tinubu could bring meaningful change if he chooses to get involved in football administration .
“He is young and he understands what Nigeria People want and I think he can change that, if he wants to he can change that,” Martins stated .
Martins acknowledged that Seyi Tinubu is not currently the NFF president but noted that he is already making efforts in his own capacity. “I mean he is not the President but still he is making an effort,” the former Super Eagles forward said .
The NFF Leadership Crisis
Martins’ comments come amid a major leadership crisis in Nigerian football. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau resigned on August 27, 2026, alongside General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s Executive Committee .
The mass resignations followed a period of intense criticism over the state of Nigerian football, particularly after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons failed to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup .
President Bola Tinubu subsequently ordered a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s football administration, suspending the planned NFF elective congress and calling for wide-ranging reforms .
A Younger Generation of Leadership
Martins’ endorsement of Seyi Tinubu is part of a broader argument he made about the need for younger leadership in Nigerian football .
The former Super Eagles striker, who played at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, said the country’s football administration has been problematic since his playing days and needs fresh ideas .
“I mean, it’s always been like that, you know, so we just need someone that can help,” Martins said .
He emphasized that the next NFF president should be a young person who understands the modern game and can connect with the expectations of millions of Nigerian football supporters .
Who Is Seyi Tinubu?
Seyi Tinubu, 40, is a lawyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and has been involved in youth mobilisation and community initiatives .
While he has sporting interests that include polo, and has supported grassroots and community-level activities across football and other sports, he is not primarily known as a football administrator .
His profile differs from that of many previous and potential NFF leaders, who have often had backgrounds as former players, coaches, club administrators or long-serving football officials .
Other Names Linked to the NFF Presidency
While Martins has endorsed Seyi Tinubu, several other prominent figures have also been linked with the vacant NFF presidency. Former Nigeria winger Segun Odegbami and Remo Stars proprietor Kunle Soname are among the names being mentioned .
The NFF’s next elective congress was previously scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, but the mass resignations and subsequent presidential directive have created uncertainty over the electoral process .
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What This Means for Nigerian Football
Martins’ comments have added a new dimension to the debate over who should lead Nigerian football following the collapse of the previous NFF administration .
However, it is important to note that Martins’ remarks represent his personal opinion and endorsement. There is no indication that Seyi Tinubu has expressed an interest in contesting for the NFF presidency or started a campaign for the position .
The Federal Government has called for comprehensive reforms covering governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability within Nigerian football .
Whoever eventually emerges as the next NFF president will inherit significant challenges, including rebuilding confidence in the national teams, strengthening grassroots development, improving domestic competitions and addressing long-standing issues with football financing .
Conclusion
Obafemi Martins’ endorsement of Seyi Tinubu for the NFF presidency has generated significant discussion among football followers in Nigeria. While the former Super Eagles striker’s comments have added a new name to the conversation, it remains to be seen whether Seyi Tinubu will show interest in the position or if other candidates will emerge as the frontrunners.
What is clear is that Nigerian football is at a crossroads. The NFF is undergoing a major transition, and the decisions made in the coming weeks and months will shape the future of the sport in Nigeria for years to come.
Oluwaseun Oluwadare is an Entertainment Blogger at Wiseloaded Media.
She covers celebrity gist, latest news, sports updates, and football highlights across Nigeria and beyond.
With a sharp eye for trending stories, Oluwaseun delivers fast, engaging, and reliable content to keep readers informed and entertained.