Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has thrown his support behind Seyi Tinubu as a potential candidate to lead the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), calling for younger leadership to drive a fresh direction for Nigerian football.
Martins made the remarks during the latest episode of the Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, where he discussed the need for significant changes within Nigeria’s football administration.
The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United forward stressed the importance of appointing someone young who understands both football and the wider system surrounding the sport.
“We just need someone that can help. A young person that understands the game and the system that can help us,” Martins said.
He subsequently identified Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as someone he believes could potentially provide the leadership required to transform Nigerian football.
“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,” Martins added.
The former Nigeria international also suggested that Tinubu has already demonstrated an interest in contributing to national development, although he does not currently hold a formal position within football administration.
Martins’ comments come at a particularly turbulent period for Nigerian football following a major shake-up at the NFF.
The federation’s leadership structure has recently come under intense scrutiny following a series of disappointing results involving Nigeria’s national teams. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons subsequently suffered a major setback in their bid to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The crisis has triggered calls for a complete overhaul of the way Nigerian football is administered, with questions being raised over leadership, accountability, grassroots development and the management of the national teams.
Against this backdrop, Martins believes fresh leadership could help break the cycle of underperformance that has frustrated Nigerian football supporters for years.
Seyi Tinubu has been involved in youth-focused initiatives and public engagement, but he has no established track record in football administration. His potential involvement in the NFF would therefore represent a significant departure from the traditional pathway into football governance.
Martins’ endorsement is consequently likely to generate debate among football stakeholders, particularly over whether political connections should play a role in the leadership of the country’s football federation.
The former Super Eagles striker, however, framed his comments around the need for new ideas and a younger generation of leaders capable of understanding the expectations of Nigerian football supporters.
With the NFF undergoing a period of major restructuring, attention will now turn to who eventually emerges to lead the federation and whether the proposed reforms can produce meaningful improvements in Nigerian football.
For now, Martins’ endorsement of Seyi Tinubu has added another name to an increasingly prominent conversation about the future leadership and direction of the Nigeria Football Federation.
