Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has expressed confidence that Seyi Tinubu could help bring meaningful changes to Nigerian football if he decides to get involved in the administration of the sport.
Martins made the remarks while appearing on the Obi One Podcast, where he discussed the crisis currently affecting the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the need for younger leadership in Nigerian football.
The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United forward said Nigerian football needs young people who understand both the game and the system surrounding its administration.
“We just need someone that can help. A young person that understands the game, the system that can help us and I think Seyi Tinubu can do that too,” Martins said.
He added that Seyi Tinubu understands what Nigerians want and could contribute to changing the situation if he chooses to take an active role.
“He is young and he understands what Nigeria People want and I think he can change that, if he wants to he can change that,” Martins said.
Martins acknowledged that Seyi Tinubu is not the President but said he believed the President's son was already making efforts in his own capacity.
The comments come at a turbulent period for Nigerian football following the resignation of NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and members of the federation's executive committee.
The leadership crisis followed a series of disappointing results involving Nigeria's national teams. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Super Falcons suffered an early exit from the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria's youth teams have also experienced setbacks, adding to calls for fundamental changes in the country's football administration.
President Bola Tinubu subsequently directed a comprehensive reform of Nigerian football, with the process expected to address governance, administration, stakeholder representation, player development, domestic competitions and accountability.
The NFF is currently undergoing an interim administrative arrangement following the resignations, with Emmanuel Ikpeme overseeing the federation's secretariat while other officials handle key responsibilities.
The federation's next elective congress is scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, where the direction of Nigerian football administration is expected to become clearer.
Martins' comments should be viewed as a personal endorsement and not as confirmation that Seyi Tinubu has been nominated, appointed or confirmed as a candidate for the NFF presidency.
The former striker, who scored 18 goals in 42 appearances for Nigeria, believes that younger leadership with an understanding of the football system could help address some of the structural problems affecting the sport.
The remarks have nevertheless generated discussion because Seyi Tinubu is primarily known for his political and business activities rather than a formal role in Nigerian football administration.
As the NFF prepares for a new leadership phase, the debate over who should lead the federation is expected to intensify, particularly with stakeholders demanding reforms capable of restoring confidence in Nigerian football.
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