Fans drag Obafemi Martins for suggesting Seyi Tinubu for NFF Presidency

• Popular online commentator Daniel Regha has sharply criticized ex-Super Eagles star Obafemi Martins for suggesting Seyi Tinubu could run the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

• Regha questioned Seyi Tinubu’s credentials, warning against appointing leaders based on sentiment and nepotism.

• Football fans across social media warned Martins not to ruin his football legacy by endorsing political figures for sports governance.

• The controversy follows the administrative collapse of the NFF, though Seyi Tinubu has made no official declaration regarding the presidency.

Popular social media commentator Daniel Regha has led a wave of fierce public criticism against former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins following Martins' suggestion that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, could lead the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Martins sparked widespread controversy during an appearance on The Obi One Podcast alongside former national team captain John Obi Mikel. Addressing the deep administrative crisis plaguing Nigerian sports, the former Inter Milan forward backed the younger Tinubu as a dynamic candidate capable of transforming the game.

“I think Seyi Tinubu can do that too. He understands, he’s young and he understands what Nigerian people want. I think he can change that,” Martins said. “If he wants to, he can. I mean he is not the president, but he is making an effort.”

Martins' comments triggered swift backlash across social media, with Daniel Regha taking aim at both the ex-footballer's endorsement and Seyi Tinubu’s lack of sports administration background.

Highlighting the need for merit-based appointments, Regha questioned what qualifies the president's son for such a critical position.

“What does Seyi Tinubu know about football that makes him qualified to lead the NFF?” “And what has he been doing that Nigerians praise him nonstop? Because I am yet to see what he has done before or now that his father has assumed power. Can we be serious? Positions shouldn't be based on sentiments or nepotism. Obafemi Martins is no doubt an icon, but on this one, he's way off.” Regha wrote.

Regha was not alone in his reaction. Football supporters quickly voiced concerns that involving politically connected individuals in sports governance could worsen existing problems rather than fix them.

"Obagoal don’t ruin the name and legacy you worked hard for for these people," one fan warned on X (formerly Twitter). "If he could have done all these years and hasn’t then he ain’t doing it."

Another supporter emphasized the urgent need for proven expertise: "My brother, Nigerian football needs competence, experience, accountability and results, not just another powerful surname. If Seyi has the football credentials, let him prove it."

The heated debate arrives during one of the most chaotic periods in recent Nigerian football history. The NFF was thrown into disarray following the resignations of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi. The leadership collapse followed public outrage after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons missed out on the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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Following the collapse, President Bola Tinubu ordered a comprehensive overhaul of the country's football administration. In response, the National Sports Commission appointed Emmanuel Ikpeme as interim General Secretary to manage the secretariat while elective proceedings remain suspended.

Despite the intense public debate sparked by Martins, Seyi Tinubu has made no official declaration or indication of any intent to contest the NFF presidency. However, Martins’ remarks and the subsequent backlash highlight the deep division among Nigerians over how to fix the nation's footballing woes.