Obafemi Martins Backs Seyi Tinubu for NFF Presidency, Says ‘He Understands What Nigerians Want’

Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has thrown his support behind Seyi Tinubu as a potential president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), arguing that the younger generation could bring the fresh leadership Nigerian football urgently needs.

Martins made the remarks on Monday while speaking with former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel on The Obi One Podcast, amid a major leadership crisis within the country’s football administration.

The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United forward said Nigerian football has struggled with administrative problems for years and suggested that the country needs someone young who understands both the game and the system.

“I think Seyi Tinubu can be the president of NFF. He’s young and understands what Nigerians want. He’s not the president yet, but he’s making an effort,” Martins said.

He further argued that Seyi, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, could help bring about changes if he decided to take on a leadership role in Nigerian football.

Martins’ comments come at a particularly turbulent period for the NFF.

The federation’s leadership was thrown into uncertainty last week following the resignation of President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s executive committee. The developments have triggered renewed calls for reforms in the administration of Nigerian football.

The crisis has also followed a difficult period for Nigeria’s national teams, including the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Martins said the solution to Nigerian football’s longstanding administrative problems could lie in bringing younger people into leadership positions.

“We just need someone that can help. A young person that understands the game, the system that can help us,” he said during the podcast.

He then specifically identified Seyi Tinubu as someone he believes could fit that description.

According to Martins, Seyi is young, understands what Nigerians want and could help change the situation if given the opportunity.

Despite Martins’ endorsement, Seyi Tinubu does not currently hold the position of NFF president and has not publicly declared an intention to contest for the federation’s top office, according to reports.

Martins’ comments therefore amount to a personal endorsement rather than an announcement of a candidacy or appointment.

The remarks are nevertheless likely to generate debate over the kind of leadership Nigerian football needs as the NFF navigates its current transition.

The federation is expected to undergo further reforms following the recent leadership changes, with stakeholders pushing for improvements in governance, accountability, grassroots development and the performance of Nigeria’s national teams.

For Martins, however, the priority is clear: Nigerian football needs fresh leadership capable of understanding both the sport and the system surrounding it.

His endorsement of Seyi Tinubu has now added another name to the growing conversation over who should lead the NFF into its next chapter.