Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins is funding a youth football tournament planned for November 2026.
By OptimumNewsNow…
September 11, 2026
Obafemi Martins to Bankroll November Youth Tournament Linked to Tinubu’s 2027 Bid
Former Super Eagles forward Obafemi Martins is set to personally finance a youth football tournament that will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, while also providing a platform for young Nigerian footballers.
Martins announced the initiative during a television interview, revealing that the competition, which he called the Renewed Hope Youth Tournament, is planned for November 2026.
According to the former Inter Milan and Newcastle United striker, teams from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones are expected to participate, with another two or three teams potentially joining the competition. He also confirmed that he would bear the cost of organising the tournament himself.
Martins said his decision was motivated by his support for Tinubu, but added that the project was also intended to benefit Nigerian youths by creating opportunities through football.
The tournament comes against the backdrop of Martins’ recent public comments on the future of Nigerian football. In August, he backed Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, as someone he believed could play a role in transforming the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Martins described Seyi as young and familiar with the expectations of Nigerians.
However, Seyi Tinubu has not publicly declared an intention to contest for the NFF presidency, according to reports.
Martins’ latest project therefore places his football-development activities alongside his publicly stated political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
The former international has previously participated in grassroots football initiatives, including the Italian Consulate General U-20 Cup, where he supported efforts to identify and expose emerging Nigerian talent.
Former Super Eagles forward Obafemi Martins is set to personally finance a youth football tournament that will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, while also providing a platform for young Nigerian footballers.
Martins announced the initiative during a television interview, revealing that the competition, which he called the Renewed Hope Youth Tournament, is planned for November 2026.
According to the former Inter Milan and Newcastle United striker, teams from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones are expected to participate, with another two or three teams potentially joining the competition. He also confirmed that he would bear the cost of organising the tournament himself.
Martins said his decision was motivated by his support for Tinubu, but added that the project was also intended to benefit Nigerian youths by creating opportunities through football.
The tournament comes against the backdrop of Martins’ recent public comments on the future of Nigerian football. In August, he backed Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, as someone he believed could play a role in transforming the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Martins described Seyi as young and familiar with the expectations of Nigerians.
However, Seyi Tinubu has not publicly declared an intention to contest for the NFF presidency, according to reports.
Martins’ latest project therefore places his football-development activities alongside his publicly stated political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
The former international has previously participated in grassroots football initiatives, including the Italian Consulate General U-20 Cup, where he supported efforts to identify and expose emerging Nigerian talent.
Punch.
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