Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has announced plans to organise a nationwide youth football tournament. This event is in support of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
According to The PUNCH, Martins disclosed the plan during an interview with TVC on Thursday. He said the competition will be held in November under the name “Renewed Hope Youth Tournament.”
The former Inter Milan and Newcastle United forward said the tournament will draw teams from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Additionally, other sides are also expected to participate.
“There’s a tournament that I’m doing for His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu that I’m doing for his campaign, the Renewed Hope Youth tournament,” Martins said.
Tournament targets Nigerian youth
Martins said the initiative was not only political but was also designed to create opportunities for young Nigerians through football.
“I’m just happy to do it for the president with all his hard work and all that. And that is not just for the president, it’s for the Nigerians and the Nigerian youth as well; how we can help them,” he said.
The former striker added that he would personally finance the competition.
“Yes, I’m doing it in November,” Martins said when asked whether he would fund the tournament himself.
‘Renewed Hope’ enters campaign drive
The phrase “Renewed Hope” was first used as the campaign slogan of Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 2023 presidential election.
It has since been adopted by the administration for several programmes and initiatives. Moreover, political groups supporting Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid have also used it in mobilisation efforts.
Martins’ planned competition now brings football into that campaign structure. Youth participation is expected to form a major part of the event.
