Obafemi Martins, while making a case for Seyi Tinubu, argued that the NFF needed a fresh approach and a younger leader.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has faced backlash after mooting the idea that the Nigerian president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, could be an ideal replacement for the former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau.
He came under heavy criticism after making the suggestion while featuring as a guest on the latest episode of The Obi One Podcast.
Earlier, Gusau, the NFF general secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, and other board members of the Nigerian football governing body resigned following public criticism of their leadership.
According to football fans in the country, since taking over, the administration has not made significant progress in football development, especially at the youth level.
They also frowned at the NFF’s inability to ensure that the Super Eagles and their female counterparts, the Super Falcons, qualify for their respective FIFA World Cup tournaments, calling for them to give way to more competent hands.
These fans and stakeholders argued that the NFF needs a seasoned football administrator or a respected ex-international legend—such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, or Mikel Obi—rather than a political figure’s son to fix the country’s football administration.
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However, while featuring on the podcast hosted by former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, Martins argued that Nigerian football administration needed a fresh approach and suggested that the younger Tinubu could play a role.
“I mean, it’s always been like that, you know, so we just need someone that can help. Someone, you know, a young person that understands the game, that understands the system, that can help us.
”And I think Seyi Tinubu can do that too,” the former Newcastle forward said.
After the video clip of the interview made the rounds on social media, many people expressed disappointment in Martins, with some leaving harsh or sarcastic comments questioning his judgement and motives.
Wading in on the matter, former international Ifeanyi Udeze, during an appearance on a programme on Brila FM, labelled the suggestion a “bad idea”.
“For me, it’s a bad idea. I don’t know what made Martins make such a statement—maybe because he’s a friend to Seyi Tinubu, but as I said, I don’t buy the idea,” he said.
Udeze added, “If Martins claims we need young people to come and run our football, there are other young people. I was thinking he would mention a young person like Seyi Olofinjana. I was surprised by his choice, so for me, Obafemi Martins is on his own.”
Also criticising the proposition, a Facebook user, Anthony Azubuike, said, “The guy (Martins) goofed, big time. He might be eyeing an appointment or contract, but his plan is void ab initio.”
Another netizen, identified as Aina Ariyo, accused the former Serie A striker of being a member of a political movement reportedly set up by Seyi Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
