Former Super Eagles defender, Ifeanyi Udeze, has rejected former international teammate Obafemi Martins’ suggestion that Seyi Tinubu should lead the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as its next president.
Martins had named Seyi Tinubu, the 40-year-old son of President Bola Tinubu, while discussing the future of Nigerian football on John Obi Mikel’s The Obi One Podcast on Tuesday.
Key Highlights
- Udeze rejects proposal: Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze described the suggestion that Seyi Tinubu should lead the NFF as a “bad idea.”
- Martins backs Seyi Tinubu: Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins suggested Seyi Tinubu as a potential young leader for Nigerian football.
- Call for younger leadership: Martins argued that Nigerian football needs a young person who understands the game, the system and Nigerians’ aspirations.
- Udeze wants football credentials: Udeze said there are other young Nigerians with established football backgrounds who could be considered.
- Seyi Olofinjana mentioned: Udeze specifically pointed to former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana as an example.
The former Super Eagles striker said Nigerian football needs a young leader who understands the game, the system and the aspirations of Nigerians.
“We just need someone that can help—a young person that understands the game and the system,” Martins said.
“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.”
However, Udeze has disagreed with the proposal, describing it as “a bad idea.”
Speaking during a sports programme on Brila FM on Tuesday, Udeze questioned why Martins would single out Seyi Tinubu when there were other young Nigerians with established football backgrounds.
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“For me, it’s a bad idea,” Udeze said. “I don’t know what made Martins make such a statement—maybe because he’s a friend to Seyi Tinubu—but like I said, I don’t buy the idea.”
Udeze stressed that his objection is not to younger people taking leadership positions in Nigerian football. “If Martins claims we need young people to come and run our football, there are other young people,” he said.
“I was thinking he would mention a young person like Seyi Olofinjana. I was surprised with his choice, so for me, Obafemi Martins is on his own.”
Martins’ endorsement has introduced a politically sensitive dimension to the debate because of Seyi Tinubu’s relationship with the President.
Martins, however, did not state that his support for Seyi was based on his relationship with the president. His stated reasons were Seyi’s age and his belief that he understands what Nigerians want.
