Ex-Super Eagles Star Backs Seyi Tinubu To Become NFF President
Retold by Oddsrama · 31 August 2026
The Nigerian football landscape is in flux following a major administrative shake-up at the NFF, and retired Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has thrown his weight behind an unlikely candidate to lead the federation. Martins has publicly endorsed Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria's president, as a potential next NFF president—a move that signals fresh thinking on how the country's troubled football administration might be revived. The endorsement comes on the back of widespread resignations from the federation's leadership, including outgoing president Ibrahim Musa Gusau, triggered by consistently poor performances across Nigeria's national teams in competitive fixtures and major tournaments.
Martins, a three-time AFCON winner and 2010 World Cup veteran, made his case during an appearance on the ObiOne Podcast, arguing that Nigerian football needs younger, forward-thinking leadership capable of understanding both the sport itself and the broader operational framework. At 40, Tinubu is a lawyer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with a track record in youth mobilization and grassroots sports patronage—though his football credentials lean toward enthusiasm and recreational involvement rather than formal administrative or playing experience. The proposal stands in contrast to traditional NFF candidate profiles, which typically feature ex-players, coaches, or seasoned football administrators.
Tinubu faces competition from other heavyweight contenders, including legendary winger Segun Odegbami and Remo Stars proprietor Kunle Soname, both of whom bring deeper football pedigree to the table. President Tinubu has already ordered a comprehensive administrative overhaul, with elections suspended pending restructuring and interim measures now in place. For followers tracking Nigeria's football trajectory—and the betting implications of national team form—the identity of the next NFF leader could signal whether systemic change is finally underway or whether reshuffles remain cosmetic.
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