Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has announced plans for a youth football tournament linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 campaign.
Martins revealed the plan during an interview with TVC on Thursday. He said the competition, which he called the Renewed Hope Tournament, will take place in November.
According to the former Inter Milan and Newcastle United forward, teams from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones will participate. He also plans to invite two or three additional teams to make the competition bigger.
Martins said the Obafemi Martins Renewed Hope Tournament will combine political support with youth development. He explained that the project would give young Nigerians an opportunity to showcase their football talent.
The former striker also said he was funding the tournament personally. He confirmed that the competition would take place in November when asked about its funding.
His announcement comes as political activities around the 2027 election continue to gain momentum. Several politicians and supporters have already started building structures ahead of the election.
Martins Explains Why He Is Organising The Tournament
Martins said his decision goes beyond supporting Tinubu’s campaign. He wants the tournament to benefit young Nigerians who hope to build careers through football.
The former Super Eagles star praised the President for what he described as his efforts. He also said he felt happy to organise the event for both Tinubu and Nigerian youths.
Football remains one of the strongest platforms for engaging young Nigerians. A tournament involving teams from different parts of the country could therefore attract significant attention.
Martins’ plan also comes at a time when football administration remains a major topic in Nigeria. The country’s football authorities have faced several issues that have attracted attention from international bodies.
Read also: FIFA, CAF Delay Decision on NFF Crisis, Plan Visit to Nigeria
The tournament could give young players from different regions a platform to compete and connect. It may also create opportunities for players seeking recognition from clubs and scouts.
Six Geopolitical Zones To Participate
Martins said the competition will involve teams representing Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
These zones include the North-Central, North-East, North-West, South-East, South-South and South-West regions.
He also plans to add between two and three more teams to the tournament. That move could increase the number of participants and make the competition more competitive.
The former striker did not provide further details about the participating teams. He also did not disclose the venue or the exact dates for the November tournament.
However, his announcement gives the competition a clear national outlook. It could bring young footballers from different parts of Nigeria together under one sporting programme.
Martins has remained involved in football-related activities since leaving professional football. His latest initiative combines that interest with his public support for Tinubu.
The announcement also adds another dimension to the growing political activities surrounding the 2027 election.
Obafemi Martins Confirms Personal Funding
Martins also confirmed that he would personally finance the Obafemi Martins Renewed Hope Tournament.
He made the clarification while responding to a question about whether he would fund the competition himself.
The former Newcastle United striker replied that the tournament would take place in November and confirmed his personal involvement.
He did not disclose the total amount he plans to spend on the event. He also did not reveal whether corporate sponsors or other partners would join the project.
Still, personal funding could allow Martins greater control over the tournament’s organisation. It could also help him shape the event around his stated youth development goals.
The footballer has chosen to use the tournament as part of his support for Tinubu’s political campaign. However, he also stressed that Nigerian youths would benefit from the initiative.
His approach reflects the growing connection between sports, youth engagement and political campaigns in Nigeria.
For context, another political figure recently made a major promise focused on Nigerian households ahead of 2027. Adebayo’s Big 2027 Pledge: Solar Power for Every Nigerian Household in 11 Months
Martins Supports Seyi Tinubu For NFF Presidency
The tournament announcement comes shortly after Martins expressed support for Seyi Tinubu.
During an appearance on the Mikel Obi podcast, Martins discussed the possibility of Seyi becoming president of the Nigeria Football Federation in the future.
Martins described Seyi as young and said he understands what Nigerians want. He also acknowledged that Seyi does not currently occupy the position.
The former striker said Seyi was already making efforts within the football space. His comments attracted attention because of Seyi’s connection to President Tinubu.
Martins’ position places his latest football initiative within a wider pattern of support for the Tinubu family.
His comments about the NFF also come amid ongoing discussions about football leadership in Nigeria. The country’s football administration has remained a major subject among players, officials and supporters.
Meanwhile, international football authorities have also taken interest in the NFF situation.
Read also: FIFA, CAF Delay Decision on NFF Crisis, Plan Visit to Nigeria
Youth Development Remains Central To The Project
Martins has presented the tournament as more than a political gathering.
According to him, Nigerian youths remain a major reason behind the initiative. He wants young footballers to receive opportunities while supporting Tinubu’s campaign.
The tournament could also help promote grassroots football across the country. Young players from different regions would have the chance to compete against teams outside their immediate communities.
Such competitions can help players gain exposure. They can also create opportunities for coaches, scouts and football administrators to identify emerging talents.
Nigeria has a long history of producing footballers who began their careers at grassroots level. Martins himself became one of the country’s most recognised international forwards.
His professional career included spells with major European clubs. He also represented Nigeria at international competitions.
The former Super Eagles striker now appears to be using his experience and influence to support youth football.
Tournament Comes Amid Growing 2027 Political Activity
The Obafemi Martins Renewed Hope Tournament will take place as political activities increase ahead of the 2027 general election.
President Tinubu and his supporters have continued to promote the administration’s achievements. Opposition groups have also intensified their activities ahead of the election.
Recent political developments have involved major opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.
Peter Obi recently faced an alleged obstruction while attempting to visit victims of violence in Benue. Peter Obi’s visit to Yelwata: NDC Condemns Alleged Obstruction
Another report also covered Obi’s arrival in Jos before his planned visit to Mangu. Peter Obi Arrives Jos, Heads to Mangu to Visit Attack Victims
Atiku has also remained a major figure within the opposition camp. His political activities recently triggered a warning from former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye.
Read also: Dino Melaye Threatens Mass Action Over Alleged Plot to Arrest Atiku
These developments show how quickly Nigeria’s political landscape is changing ahead of 2027.
Sports And Politics Intersect Ahead Of 2027
Martins’ decision to organise the tournament highlights the growing role of sports in political engagement.
Football commands a massive following among Nigerian youths. A nationwide competition could therefore provide a strong platform for reaching young people.
However, Martins has stressed that the tournament will also focus on helping Nigerian youths.
The event could attract players, coaches, football fans and community leaders from different parts of the country. Its national structure may also encourage greater interaction between young people from different regions.
The tournament’s November date means preparations will likely begin before the event. Organisers would need to finalise participating teams, venues, fixtures and logistics.
Details about those arrangements have not yet been released.
For now, Martins has confirmed the central idea. He plans to organise the Obafemi Martins Renewed Hope Tournament in November and connect the competition with Tinubu’s 2027 campaign.
The former Super Eagles striker says he is financing the project himself. He also insists that the initiative should benefit Nigerian youths.
As preparations for the 2027 election continue, the tournament could become one of the latest efforts to combine football, youth engagement and political mobilisation.
