Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins is facing a huge backlash after announcing a youth football tournament in honour of President Bola Tinubu, with critics accusing him of bringing politics into youth football ahead of the 2027 elections.
Martins said he is funding the Renewed Hope youth tournament, scheduled to hold in Lagos in November, as part of his efforts to support Nigerian youths while recognising Tinubu’s administration.
The tournament is expected to feature teams from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and other areas, with organisers saying the initiative is aimed at promoting youth development and creating opportunities through football.
Speaking during an interview with TVC News, Martins said he is pleased to organise the tournament in honour of Tinubu.
“I’m happy to host the Renewed Hope youth tournament to honour President Tinubu for his hard work and dedication. This initiative is not just for the president; it is for Nigeria and the Nigerian youth, aiming to see how we can better support them,” he said.
The former Inter Milan forward also praised Tinubu for rewarding members of the D’Tigress basketball team, saying the football tournament represented his own contribution towards supporting Nigerian youths.
However, the choice of the “Renewed Hope” name and the decision to honour Tinubu have triggered a backlash on social media, with critics questioning whether the football initiative could become politically associated as the 2027 election season approaches.
Reacting to the announcement, @EmmaTaye argued that youth football should be focused on discovering and developing talent rather than promoting political interests.
“As for me I don’t really support this. Youth football should be about discovering talents, giving young Nigerians opportunities and building the next generation of footballers not turning the platform into a campaign vehicle.”
The user also urged Martins to support young people without attaching the initiative to politics, adding:
“If you genuinely want to empower the youths, support them without attaching it to a political campaign. Let football remain football, and let politics remain politics.”
Another critic, @tgerealchuno, argued that poor Nigerians could be mobilised around political figures without receiving lasting benefits.
“Exactly how the rich is getting richer and the poor will continue to cry. The poor with no sense, hungry, and thirsty will go to Obafemi Martines Football tournament in support of Tinubu and After they are done using you soaking garri and agege bread no still help your future,” he posted.
However, @Birtgprince1 offered a contrasting view, saying Martins and other celebrities should be allowed to take advantage of opportunities created by the political season.
“In my opinion, people like this should be left alone to do what they want, many people have seen tinubu as an opportunity to cash out. Most of them have been forgotten for a while now and if APC found them relevant because of campaign then let them cash out. It’s the time,” the user submitted.
Meanwhile, @securechelsea questioned Martins’ current influence among Nigerians, arguing that economic hardship had changed the way celebrities are perceived.
“Obafemi Martin’s has zero influence, infact most Nigeria celebrities are pained because they can’t influence people decisions like before, the country is very hard Nigerians have already made up their minds.”
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Also reacting, @don_N5 linked the development to the approaching election season and accused celebrities of supporting politicians for financial reasons.
“Surprise surprise, it’s election time and celebs are coming out to tell Nigerians to support their oppressors. These celebs don’t tell us they’ve been paid hugely with our own Commonwealth.”
The reactions have turned Obafemi Martins’ Tinubu youth tournament into a wider debate over the relationship between football, celebrity influence and politics in Nigeria.
While Martins has presented the initiative as a youth-development programme, critics remain concerned that the use of the Renewed Hope branding and the decision to honour Tinubu could give the tournament a political dimension ahead of the 2027 elections.
