AFCON 2025
Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins believes Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has what it takes to lead the Nigeria Football Federation. Martins made the endorsement on the Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Super Eagles captain and midfielder Mikel Obi alongside co-host Chris McHardy, as the pair discussed the deepening crisis in Nigerian football administration.
“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.
The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United forward argued that Nigerian football has long suffered from poor administration and needs a younger figure who understands both the sport and the country’s expectations to turn things around. “We just need someone that can help. A young person that understands the game, and the system that can help us,” he added.
Martins’ comments come at a turbulent moment for the NFF. Ibrahim Gusau resigned as federation president on August 27, alongside general secretary Mohammed Sanusi, following mounting pressure from the National Sports Commission and the federal government. President Tinubu had earlier ordered a “comprehensive reform” of Nigerian football administration after a string of qualification failures across the national teams.
The Super Eagles missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a playoff defeat to DR Congo, while the Super Falcons suffered an early exit at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and subsequently missed the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament’s inception. Nigeria’s underage sides have also struggled, with the Flying Eagles failing to qualify for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and, by extension, the U-20 World Cup.
Seyi Tinubu has not publicly declared any interest in contesting for a position within the NFF. Martins nonetheless maintained that the president’s son could make a meaningful difference if he chose to get involved, describing him as someone who grasps the aspirations of young Nigerians and could help reshape the federation’s direction.
The NFF is now expected to undergo a leadership transition in the coming months as the federal government pushes for structural changes across the country’s football administration.
