Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has backed Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria President Bola Tinubu, to head the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), completesports.com reports.
Martins stated this amid a leadership crisis in Nigerian football, which led to the resignation of Ibrahim Musa Gusau resigned along with the general secretary and other executive committee members.
The resignations comes following the disappointing outings by the country’s national teams in qualifiers and at major international tournaments.
President Tinubu directed a comprehensive overhaul of Nigerian football administration, elections were suspended, and interim arrangements (including an acting general secretary) were put in place.
Also among notable names in the hat for the vacant NFF president post include legendary Nigeria winger Segun Odegbami and proprietor of Remo Stars Kunle Soname.
Speaking on the ObiOne Podcast, Martins called for younger leadership that understands both the game and the broader system, positing that Seyi will be a good choice.
“We just need someone that can help. A young person that understands the game, and the system that can help us,” Martins, who represented Nigeria at three AFCONs (2006, 2008, 2010) and the 2010 FIFA World Cup said.
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“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.”
Seyi, 40, is a lawyer by training, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and active figure in youth mobilisation and politics.
His sports profile is that of an enthusiast, recreational participant (especially polo), and financial/promotional supporter of grassroots and community-level activities across football and other sports.
This differs significantly from the typical profiles of past or prospective NFF leaders, who often have deeper experience as former players, coaches, club administrators, or long-term football officials.
Meanwhile, there is no indication that Seyi has publicly expressed interest in or is actively campaigning for the NFF presidency.
**By James Agberebi ***
