When former Nigerian international Brown Ideye joined Enyimba FC last season, many fans and stakeholders welcomed the move with optimism. After all, here was a player with European pedigree, joining Nigeria’s most successful club under the leadership of Kanu Nwankwo. The hope was that Ideye’s experience would inspire younger players and elevate the team’s performance. Unfortunately, what unfolded was a tale of unmet expectations, internal strife, and now, controversy.
Let’s set the record straight.
Ideye was paid ₦1 million monthly for six months a figure that made him one of the highest earners in the squad. Beyond that, he was lodged in a hotel at ₦65,000 per night and frequently traveled to away matches by air, all at the club’s expense. This treatment wasn’t extended to every player. It was a gesture of respect for his status as an ex-international.
Despite these efforts and resources, Ideye delivered just five goals across all competitions a return that, by all standards, did not justify his place in the squad or the wages he received. His on-field contributions fell far short of the expectations that came with his high-profile signing.
Even Rivers United, another top-tier NPFL club, reportedly declined to sign him due to concerns over the influence he might have in their dressing room. Sadly, these fears proved valid at Enyimba. Rather than being a positive force, his presence reportedly disrupted team cohesion and slowed the momentum Kanu’s administration had worked hard to build.
It’s important to address the accusations Ideye recently made about player welfare. He claimed Enyimba players earned as low as ₦7,000 daily and were not paid bonuses. But here’s the truth: under Kanu Nwankwo’s management, the club implemented a more consistent bonus payment system, ensuring players received bonuses intermittently rather than waiting for end-of-season payouts from the government, as was the tradition in past administrations.
ALSO READ: Brown Ideye Slams Enyimba FC Over Unpaid Bonuses: “I Worked for It—Pay Me and the Players”
In fact, the club chairman and sporting director often added personal bonuses of ₦1 million or ₦500,000 to motivate the team. These facts can be verified through the team captain, coach, and other management officials.
No player has been denied their entitlements, even after leaving the club. Settling all dues has remained a top priority for the current leadership, and many players have been paid double bonuses for both home and away victories an unprecedented gesture in the club’s recent history.
Ideye’s outburst seems less about facts and more about seeking attention. The coach, it’s worth noting, never wanted him in the squad. It was only through the intervention of senior management that the coach was persuaded to give him a chance.
In hindsight, accommodating Ideye was a costly mistake. Enyimba welcomed him as a respected former international, hoping he would bring value to the team. Instead, his conduct and performance left the club with regret. And while he now tries to tarnish the image of the club, those who truly care about Enyimba know the truth: under Kanu Nwankwo, the People’s Elephant is on a new path one of reform, professionalism, and progress.
The team will move forward, but the lessons from this episode will not be forgotten.
