Obafemi Martins backs Seyi Tinubu for NFF president amid crisis
Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has thrown his support behind Seyi Tinubu as a potential candidate to lead the Nigeria Football Federation amid growing concerns over the state of Nigerian football.
Martins made the suggestion while discussing the country’s football problems on the latest episode of the ObiOne Podcast, where he called for a major overhaul of the system.
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Martins makes surprise recommendation
The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United forward believes the NFF needs younger leadership from someone capable of understanding both football and the wider Nigerian system.
“We just need someone that can help. A young person that understands the game, and the system that can help us,” Martins said.
He then singled out Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as someone he believes could make a difference.
“I think Seyi Tinubu can do that too. He’s young and understands what Nigerian people want. He can change that if he wants to,” he added.
The endorsement comes at a difficult time for Nigerian football, with several of the country’s national teams struggling to deliver expected results.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons suffered their earliest-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations exit after being eliminated in the quarter-finals.
Nigerian football faces leadership questions
Nigeria’s underage teams have also experienced setbacks, with the Flying Eagles failing to qualify for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and consequently missing out on the U-20 World Cup.
The NFF is expected to undergo significant changes following the resignation of Ibrahim Gusau as federation president last week.
Gusau described his departure as a personal decision motivated by his love for Nigerian football, although speculation has continued over the circumstances surrounding his exit.
Martins, who scored 18 goals in 42 appearances for Nigeria during his international career, believes a new approach is required to address the country’s football challenges.
Seyi Tinubu, however, is better known for his political and entertainment-related activities than for an established role in football administration.