Martins faces backlash over Seyi Tinubu NFF endorsement

Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has come under heavy criticism after suggesting that Seyi Tinubu could be an ideal candidate to lead the Nigeria Football Federation following the recent mass resignation of former president Ibrahim Gusau and his board, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Gusau, the NFF general secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, and other board members resigned last Thursday amid public criticism of their leadership and the failures recorded across different levels of the national teams.

Among the most prominent of those failures were the Super Eagles’ inability to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ failure to secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Their exit has ushered in a major shake-up in Nigerian football, with the National Sports Commission moving to establish a normalisation process that has received the backing of FIFA.

During an appearance on The Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, Martins said Nigerian football administration needed a fresh approach and suggested that Tinubu could play a role.

“I mean, it’s always been like that, you know, so we just need someone that can help. Someone, you know, a young person that understands the game, that understands the system, that can help us.”

And I think Seyi Tinubu can do that too,” Martins said.

Former international Ifeanyi Udeze, however, described Martins’ suggestion as a bad idea during his programme on Brila FM.

“For me, it’s a bad idea. I don’t know what made Martins make such a statement, maybe because he’s a friend to Seyi Tinubu, but as I said, I don’t buy the idea,” Udeze said.

“If Martins claims we need young people to come and run our football, there are other young people. I was thinking he would mention a young person like Seyi Olofinjana. I was surprised by his choice, so for me, Obafemi Martins is on his own,” he added.

Martins’ endorsement also drew criticism from social media users, with some accusing him of promoting nepotism and political influence in football.

“The guy (Martins) goofed, big time. He might be eyeing one appointment or contract, but his plan is void ab initio,” a Facebook user, Anthony Azubuike, said.

Another user, Aina Ariyo, accused Martins of being a member of a political movement reportedly set up by Seyi Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.(Punch)