{
  "id": 4986233,
  "title": "Martins faces backlash over Seyi Tinubu NFF endorsement",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/martins-faces-backlash-over-seyi-tinubu-nff-endorsement-4986233",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-02T01:48:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/martins-faces-backlash-over-seyi-tinubu-nff-endorsement/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Nigerian football star Obafemi Martins has sparked controversy following his endorsement of Seyi Tinubu as a potential leader of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The suggestion came during a recent appearance on The Obi One Podcast, hosted by former teammate John Obi Mikel. Martins praised Tinubu, stating that the Nigerian football administration needed a fresh perspective and that a young person with understanding of the game and the system could help the federation. However, not everyone agreed with the former Super Eagles striker's assessment. Former international player Ifeanyi Udeze criticized Martins' statement in a Brila FM interview, calling it a bad idea and questioning whether it was due to a personal friendship with Tinubu. Udeze argued that there were other young football talent deserving of the opportunity, such as Seyi Olofinjana. The suggestion of Tinubu as NFF leader also drew criticism on social media, with some accusing Martins of promoting nepotism and political influence in the sport.",
  "summary": "Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins faces heavy criticism for endorsing Seyi Tinubu as a potential NFF leader. Learn why his suggestion sparked con Read More: https://punchng.com/martins-faces-backlash-over-seyi-tinubu-nff-endorsement/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Martins faces backlash over Seyi Tinubu NFF endorsement",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/martins-faces-backlash-over-seyi-tinubu-nff-endorsement",
        "published": "2026-09-02T01:48:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}