Seyi Tinubu Can Change Things at NFF — Obafemi Martins Backs President’s Son for Football Reform
Former Super Eagles striker says Nigerian football needs young leaders who understand the system as NFF crisis deepens with EFCC, ICPC investigations
Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has expressed strong confidence in Seyi Tinubu’s potential to bring meaningful change to Nigerian football, suggesting that the President’s son could play a transformative role at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) if he chooses to get involved. Martins made the remarks while speaking on the Obi One Podcast with former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, where he discussed the ongoing crisis in Nigerian football administration and the need for fresh leadership. The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United forward said Nigerian football needs young people who understand both the game and its administrative structures 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. He described Seyi Tinubu as a young person who understands the aspirations of Nigerians and could contribute to changing the situation if he decided to get 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 also hinted at the possibility of Seyi Tinubu becoming NFF president in the future, saying, “I think Seyi Tinubu can be the president of NFF. He’s young and understands what Nigerians want. He’s not the president yet, but he’s making efforts.” The former striker acknowledged that Seyi Tinubu is not currently the NFF president but said he believed he was already making efforts in his own capacity.
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His comments come at a time of major upheaval in Nigerian football administration. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation’s executive committee resigned amid mounting pressure over the state of Nigerian football. The resignations followed a series of setbacks involving the 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 Falcons’ absence marked Nigeria’s first absence from the competition since it was launched 35 years ago.
The crisis has deepened with anti-corruption agencies examining the NFF’s handling of government funds. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating the NFF over the handling of a ₦12 billion federal intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to clear outstanding player wages, bonuses, and allowances. The House of Representatives also resolved to investigate an alleged mismanagement of $25 million in FIFA and CAF grants received between 2015 and 2025.
President Bola Tinubu has directed comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football, covering governance, administration, stakeholder representation, development pathways, domestic competitions and accountability. The NFF’s next elective congress is scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, though the electoral process has been suspended pending the implementation of reforms. However, Martins’ endorsement has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians online, with many questioning why former players with direct experience of the game are not being considered for leadership positions. Others pointed out that the role requires someone with experience in football administration, league management, and FIFA politics, rather than simply being young or understanding what Nigerians want. Seyi Tinubu has not publicly declared interest in vying for a position at the NFF.