Summary: Former Super Eagles star Ifeanyi Udeze has blasted his ex-teammate Obafemi Martins’ idea of making Seyi Tinubu the NFF President, calling it a terrible move for Nigerian football. Here’s everything you need to know.
Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze is not here for it — and he is making sure everybody knows.
The ex-Nigeria international has come out firing against his former national teammate Obafemi Martins after the striker floated the idea of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, taking over as president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). According to Udeze, that idea needs to go straight into the dustbin — no debate, no second thought.
Udeze Says “Tufiakwa” to the Idea
In his characteristic no-nonsense style, Udeze made it crystal clear that bringing Seyi Tinubu into the NFF presidency would be a bad move for Nigerian football. The former left-back, who had a solid career both domestically and in Europe, argued that the federation needs someone with deep football knowledge, administrative experience, and genuine passion for the game — not just a powerful surname.
For Udeze, this is not about politics or who your father is. Nigerian football has suffered too long from the wrong hands steering the ship, and this is not the time to hand the wheel to someone whose strongest qualification appears to be his last name.
Oba Martins, Why Na?
Many Nigerian football fans are equally surprised that Obafemi Martins — a man who thrilled us with his acrobatic goals and electric pace during his Super Eagles days — would make such a suggestion. Martins, who had a glittering career at clubs like Inter Milan, Newcastle United, and later in MLS, has always been regarded fondly by Nigerians.
But this particular suggestion? E don scatter the matter.
While Martins may have his reasons for thinking Seyi Tinubu’s connections and resources could benefit Nigerian football, critics argue that the NFF needs a football person, not a political appointment dressed up in football boots.
The Bigger Picture — What Does Nigerian Football Really Need?
Let’s be honest with ourselves as Nigerians — our football administration has been a source of headache for far too long. From FIFA bans to internal crises, from the Super Eagles’ inconsistent performances to the lack of proper grassroots development, the problems are deep-rooted.
What Nigerian football desperately needs at the top is:
– Transparency and accountability in how funds are managed
– A visionary leader who understands the game from grassroots to the elite level
– Someone who can attract investment without compromising the integrity of the federation
– Independence from political interference — which has historically been one of our biggest problems
Bringing in someone with strong political ties, regardless of how well-intentioned the idea may be, risks making the NFF even more of a political playground than it already is.
Udeze Stands His Ground
Ifeanyi Udeze is not the type to mince words, and Nigerians who follow football closely know this. His rejection of Martins’ suggestion is a reflection of the frustration felt by many former players, coaches, and fans who want to see Nigerian football run professionally and with integrity.
His message is simple: Nigerian football deserves better. We cannot keep recycling failed approaches and expecting different results. As the saying goes, if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten — and what we’ve gotten so far has not been good enough.
What Do You Think?
This conversation is far from over. As the NFF continues to navigate its leadership future, Nigerians — both at home and in the diaspora — are watching closely.
So we ask you, our readers: Do you agree with Udeze, or do you think Obafemi Martins might be onto something? Should Nigerian football look outside the traditional football circle for fresh leadership, or should it stick to people who have lived and breathed the game?
Drop your thoughts in the comments. The Super Eagles belong to all of us — and so does this conversation.
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