Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has backed Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a potential candidate for the presidency of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), calling for younger leadership in Nigerian football.
Martins, the former Inter Milan, Newcastle United and Super Eagles forward, made the comments in remarks circulating on social media and football platforms on August 31, 2026.
Key Highlights
Obafemi Martins backs Seyi Tinubu for the NFF presidency.
Martins says Nigerian football needs younger leadership.
The endorsement comes amid an ongoing NFF leadership crisis.
The NFF’s previously scheduled elective congress has been suspended.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered reforms of Nigeria’s football administration.
Other names linked to possible NFF leadership changes include Kunle Soname, Segun Odegbami, Amaju Pinnick, Mike Emenalo and Seyi Olofinjana.
Martins was quoted as saying: “We need a young person as the president of the NFF who understands the game. I think Seyi Tinubu can do that too. He’s young and understands what Nigerians want. He’s not the president yet, but he’s making an effort.”
The endorsement comes amid a major leadership crisis in Nigerian football following the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s executive committee.
President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s football administration, including governance, development pathways and accountability, following repeated concerns over the performance of the national teams.
An interim leadership arrangement is currently in place, while consultations involving Nigerian football stakeholders, FIFA and CAF continue. The previously scheduled NFF elective congress has also been suspended.
Martins Calls for Youthful Leadership
Martins, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs including Inter Milan and Newcastle United, said his support for Seyi Tinubu was based on the need for younger leadership capable of understanding the expectations of Nigerian football fans.
Seyi Tinubu has been involved in youth mobilisation, philanthropy and political activities supporting his father’s administration. However, he does not have a record of holding a senior administrative position within the NFF or professional football governance.
Other prominent figures mentioned in discussions around the future leadership of Nigerian football include Remo Stars owner Kunle Soname, former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami, former NFF president Amaju Pinnick, football executive Mike Emenalo and former Nigeria international Seyi Olofinjana.
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NFF Leadership Crisis
Martins’ intervention has added a prominent former Super Eagles player to the growing debate over who should lead Nigerian football through the current transition.
His comments have also triggered discussions among football supporters and commentators over whether the NFF needs younger leadership, experienced football administrators or a combination of both.
The outcome will depend on the ongoing reform process and the eventual framework for selecting a new NFF leadership.
As stakeholders work to restructure the federation, attention is expected to remain on improving governance, accountability, grassroots development and the performance of Nigeria’s national teams.
