Former Super Eagles star Obafemi Martins has landed in hot water after backing Seyi Tinubu for a possible leadership role in Nigerian football.
Martins’ suggestion has sparked fierce reactions from former internationals and football fans, coming at a time when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is undergoing a major shake-up.
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, Martins argued that Nigerian football needed a younger generation of leaders who understand both the game and the system.
He then singled out Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as someone who could help transform the administration of Nigerian football.
The endorsement, however, did not go down well with former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze.
Reacting on Brila FM, Udeze described Martins’ choice as a “bad idea”, questioning why other young and experienced football figures were not considered.
He specifically mentioned former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana as a more obvious candidate for consideration.
Udeze also suggested that Martins’ friendship with Seyi Tinubu might have influenced his recommendation, while stressing that he personally did not support the idea.
The controversy comes after former NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other board members resigned amid mounting criticism of the federation’s leadership and Nigeria’s recent poor football fortunes.
The Super Eagles missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons also failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding to growing frustration among Nigerian football supporters.
The mass resignation has now opened the door for a possible overhaul of the country’s football administration, with the National Sports Commission moving towards a normalisation process backed by FIFA.
But Martins’ intervention has added another layer to the drama.
On social media, some Nigerians accused the former Inter Milan and Newcastle striker of attempting to bring political influence and connections into football administration.
Others questioned whether Seyi Tinubu, who is not known for a professional football career or football administration experience, should be considered for such a sensitive position.
The backlash has turned what was presented as a call for “young leadership” into a heated debate over competence, experience, connections and the growing influence of politics in Nigerian football.
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