Ifeanyi Udeze Rejects Obafemi Martins’ Choice Of Seyi Tinubu As NFF President

Former Super Eagles player Ifeanyi Udeze has criticised his colleague Obafemi Martins for endorsing Seyi Tinubu as a possible candidate to lead the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Seyi Tinubu, 40, is the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Martins recently discussed the state of Nigerian football on John Obi Mikel’s podcast, The Obi One Podcast.

The former Super Eagles striker said the NFF needs a young and capable leader who understands both football and the expectations of Nigerian supporters.

Martins named Seyi Tinubu as someone he believes could bring the needed change to the country’s football administration.

“We just need someone that can help—a young person that understands the game and the system,” 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.”

However, Ifeanyi Udeze disagreed with the suggestion when he spoke on Brila FM on Tuesday, September 1.

The former defender described Martins’ choice as a “bad idea” and questioned why his former teammate would put forward Seyi Tinubu.

Udeze said Martins may have made the suggestion because of his relationship with Seyi, but insisted that he did not support the idea.

He said, “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.”

He agreed that younger people should have an opportunity to take charge of Nigerian football but argued that there are several other young Nigerians who could be considered.

Udeze specifically mentioned former Super Eagles midfielder Seyi Olofinjana as an example of a younger person he would have expected Martins to recommend.

“If Martins claims we need young people to come and run our football, there are other young people,” Udeze added.

“I was thinking he would mention a young person like Seyi Olofinjana. I was surprised with his choice, so for me, Obafemi Martins is on his own.”

Martins’ comments come at a time of major changes within Nigerian football.

KanyiDaily recalls that NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau and other members of the federation’s leadership recently resigned over Nigeria’s poor performances in international qualifiers and competitions.