Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has thrown his weight behind Seyi Tinubu, saying the son of President Bola Tinubu could help turn around Nigerian football as the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, battles a deepening crisis.
Martins stated this during an appearance on the Obi One Podcast, where he spoke about the mounting challenges confronting Nigerian football and the urgent need for a new generation of leaders who understand the game and the system.
According to the former Inter Milan and Newcastle United striker, Nigerian football needs young people with the right understanding and influence to help drive meaningful change.
“We just need someone that can help a young person that understands the game, the system that can help us and I think Seyi Tinubu can do that too,” Martins said.
The former Super Eagles star said he believes Seyi Tinubu understands the aspirations of young Nigerians and has the capacity to make a difference in the country’s football system if he decides to become involved.
“He is young and he understands what Nigeria People want and I think he can change that, if he wants to he can change that,” he added.
Martins, however, acknowledged that Seyi Tinubu is not the President, while insisting that he believes he is already making efforts in his own capacity.
“I mean he is not the President but still he his making an effort,” the former Super Eagles forward stated.
Martins’ comments come at a turbulent time for Nigerian football following the reported resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s executive committee amid growing pressure over the state of the game.
The crisis followed a series of setbacks involving Nigeria’s national teams, including the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and the Super Falcons’ historic failure to reach the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
The mass resignations have further intensified calls for a major overhaul of the country’s football administration, with attention now focused on rebuilding confidence, strengthening leadership and addressing the challenges affecting Nigeria’s national teams.
The NFF’s next elective congress is scheduled to hold on September 27 in Lafia.
