Ex-Super Eagles star hits out at Obafemi Martins over NFF Presidency suggestion

Retold by Oddsrama · 1 September 2026

Nigerian football remains in turmoil following Ibrahim Gusau's exit as NFF president, and the search for fresh leadership has already sparked debate among the country's former stars. Obafemi Martins recently threw his weight behind Seyi Tinubu—son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—as a potential candidate to steer the federation, arguing that the sport needs younger voices who understand the modern game and the system. On the surface, it sounds reasonable: Nigerian football is reeling after missing the 2026 World Cup and the Super Falcons crashed out of Women's World Cup qualification for the first time ever. That kind of crisis demands bold thinking, and Martins made his pitch on the ObiOne Podcast with conviction.

But not everyone is buying it. Ifeanyi Udeze, the former Super Eagles and West Brom defender who played alongside Martins, has come out swinging against the idea. Speaking on BRILA FM, Udeze dismissed Martins' suggestion as misguided, questioning why—if the argument is really about bringing in young, football-savvy leadership—Seyi Tinubu was the best choice. Udeze pointed to figures like Seyi Olofinjana, another young former Nigerian footballer with genuine experience in the game, as alternatives that would have made more sense. He suggested that Martins' recommendation had more to do with personal friendship than footballing credentials, and he wasn't holding back: "Obafemi Martins is on his own."

The row underscores a deeper conversation about what Nigerian football actually needs right now. With the country's entire structure under scrutiny—FIFA and the Nigerian government are both involved in pushing for reform—the NFF presidency has become a hot-button issue. Martins champions youth and fresh understanding; Udeze wants qualifications that go beyond age and personal connections. For punters and observers watching the Nigerian football landscape, this leadership vacuum adds another layer of unpredictability to the Super Eagles' rebuild efforts and tournament performances going forward.

Based on original reporting by Soccernet NG. Read the original at soccernet.ng →

#Super Eagles#NFF#Nigeria#Obafemi Martins

Ex-Super Eagles star hits out at Obafemi Martins over NFF Presidency suggestion

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