-
Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has named Seyi Tinubu as a potential candidate to lead the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
-
Martins said Nigerian football needs a younger leader who understands the modern game and what Nigerians want.
-
His comments come after Ibrahim Gusau and members of the NFF Executive Committee resigned amid a major leadership crisis.
August 31, (THEWILL) — Former Super Eagles striker, Obafemi Martins, has named Seyi Tinubu as a potential candidate to lead the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), while calling for younger leadership to take charge of Nigerian football.
Martins made the remarks during an appearance on the Obi One Podcast, where he discussed the state of Nigerian football and the leadership crisis currently affecting the country’s football administration.
According to the former Inter Milan forward, the next NFF president should be a young person who understands the modern game and can connect with the expectations of Nigerians.
Martins subsequently mentioned Seyi Tinubu as someone he believes could fit that description.
“We need a young person as the president of the NFF who understands the game. I think Seyi Tinubu can do that too. He’s young and understands what Nigerians want”, Martins said.
The former Nigeria international acknowledged that Tinubu is not the president of Nigeria, but suggested that his age and understanding of the country’s expectations could make him capable of contributing to a change in the administration of Nigerian football.
Martins’ comments have added a new name to the conversation over who could lead the NFF following the resignation of Ibrahim Gusau and several members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
Gusau’s exit opens new leadership debate
The NFF is currently undergoing a major leadership transition after Gusau resigned as president on August 27.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other members of the federation’s Executive Committee also resigned, bringing an end to Gusau’s administration following months of criticism over the state of Nigerian football.
Gusau’s departure came after a difficult period for the country’s national teams.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons also suffered a major setback by failing to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria’s failure to secure a place at the women’s tournament ended the country’s record of appearing at every edition of the competition since its inception in 1991.
The results intensified criticism of the country’s football administration and increased calls for changes within the NFF.
The Federal Government has also announced plans for comprehensive reforms in Nigerian football, with the focus expected to include governance, administration, development, domestic competitions and accountability.
It is against this backdrop that Martins has called for a younger generation to have a greater role in running the country’s football.
READ ALSO:
Martins’ case for younger leadership
Martins’ argument centres on the need for someone who understands how modern football operates and can respond to the expectations of supporters.
His reference to Seyi Tinubu therefore comes as part of a wider discussion about the kind of leadership Nigerian football needs following the collapse of the previous NFF administration.
The former striker did not suggest that Tinubu had been appointed or formally nominated for the NFF presidency.
Rather, Martins presented him as someone who, in his opinion, could potentially bring a different perspective to the administration of the sport.
The comments have already generated discussion among football followers, particularly because Tinubu is not primarily known as a football administrator.
His potential involvement would also attract attention because of his position as the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
However, Martins’ comments should not be interpreted as confirmation that Tinubu is seeking the NFF presidency or that the Federal Government has selected him for the position.
What happens to the NFF now?
The immediate question is who will oversee Nigerian football during the transition and how the federation’s next leadership will be determined.
The NFF had previously been preparing for an elective congress scheduled to hold in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on September 27.
However, the resignation of Gusau and other members of the Executive Committee has created uncertainty over the federation’s leadership structure and the next stage of its electoral process.
With the leadership vacuum coming at a time when Nigerian football is facing calls for major reforms, the eventual successor to Gusau will inherit significant challenges.
The next administration will be expected to address concerns surrounding the national teams, grassroots development, domestic competitions, football financing and the overall administration of the sport.
For Martins, however, the solution should begin with a change in generation.
His suggestion of Seyi Tinubu has now added another dimension to the debate over who should lead Nigerian football, even though there is no official indication that Tinubu will contest for the position.
As the NFF begins the process of determining its next leadership, Martins’ comments are likely to fuel further discussion over whether Nigerian football needs simply a new president or a fundamentally different approach to football administration.
Former Super Eagles star Obafemi Martins has sparked debate after calling for a younger person to lead the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), arguing that Nigerian football needs someone who understands the modern game. 👀⚽
Martins also suggested that Seyi Tinubu could be… pic.twitter.com/vQ5r39zfqe
— THEWILL NEWSPAPER (@THEWILLNG) August 31, 2026
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
