Udeze Rejects Martins’ Seyi Tinubu Choice For NFF Presidency
Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze has dismissed Obafemi Martins’ suggestion that Seyi Tinubu could emerge as the next president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Martins recently backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s son as a potential candidate for the NFF top job, arguing that Nigerian football needs a young leader who understands the game and the system.
But Udeze strongly disagreed with his former international teammate, describing the suggestion as a “bad idea.”
Speaking on BRILA FM, Udeze questioned why Martins settled on Seyi Tinubu when there are other young Nigerians with direct football experience who could take up the challenge.
“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 like I said, I don’t buy the idea,” Udeze said.
The former West Bromwich Albion defender argued that if Martins’ priority was simply to have younger leadership at the NFF, there were more obvious candidates within the football community.
“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 had made his recommendation during an appearance on the ObiOne Podcast, insisting that Nigerian football needs someone capable of bringing fresh ideas to the administration.
“We just need someone that can help. A young person that understands the game and the system that can help us,” Martins said.
“I think Seyi Tinubu can do that too. He’s young and understands what Nigerian people want. He can change that if he wants to.”
The debate comes as the NFF faces a major leadership crisis following the resignation of Ibrahim Gusau and members of his executive committee.
The development followed a difficult period for Nigerian football, with the Super Eagles failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons missing the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
With calls growing for sweeping reforms in the administration of Nigerian football, the identity and credentials of the next NFF leadership have become a major talking point.
While Martins believes youth and an understanding of the system should be key considerations, Udeze’s reaction underlines the argument that the next NFF president must also have a strong football background and relevant experience.
Martins recently backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s son as a potential candidate for the NFF top job, arguing that Nigerian football needs a young leader who understands the game and the system.
But Udeze strongly disagreed with his former international teammate, describing the suggestion as a “bad idea.”
Speaking on BRILA FM, Udeze questioned why Martins settled on Seyi Tinubu when there are other young Nigerians with direct football experience who could take up the challenge.
“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 like I said, I don’t buy the idea,” Udeze said.
The former West Bromwich Albion defender argued that if Martins’ priority was simply to have younger leadership at the NFF, there were more obvious candidates within the football community.
“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 had made his recommendation during an appearance on the ObiOne Podcast, insisting that Nigerian football needs someone capable of bringing fresh ideas to the administration.
“We just need someone that can help. A young person that understands the game and the system that can help us,” Martins said.
“I think Seyi Tinubu can do that too. He’s young and understands what Nigerian people want. He can change that if he wants to.”
The debate comes as the NFF faces a major leadership crisis following the resignation of Ibrahim Gusau and members of his executive committee.
The development followed a difficult period for Nigerian football, with the Super Eagles failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons missing the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
With calls growing for sweeping reforms in the administration of Nigerian football, the identity and credentials of the next NFF leadership have become a major talking point.
While Martins believes youth and an understanding of the system should be key considerations, Udeze’s reaction underlines the argument that the next NFF president must also have a strong football background and relevant experience.
