Former Super Eagles striker and AFCON 2013 champion, Brown Ideye, rolled back the years on Saturday evening, delivering a match-winning performance for Enyimba FC in their 2-1 victory over a determined Kano Pillars side in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).

 

Ideye, who came on as a second-half substitute, made an instant impact, scoring Enyimba’s second goal and sealing what would eventually be the decisive moment in a fiercely contested encounter at the Enyimba Stadium.

 

The game sparked into life in the 35th minute when Joseph Atule put the home side ahead, finishing off a well-worked attacking move. Kano Pillars, however, showed grit and resilience, staying in the game despite Enyimba’s dominance in possession.

 

Shortly after the restart, Ideye was introduced and wasted no time making his presence felt. Displaying the poise and positioning that made him a household name in Nigerian football, he calmly slotted home Enyimba’s second goal early in the second half, sending the home fans into raptures.

 

Kano Pillars did not go down without a fight. Naibe Akpesiri reduced the deficit in the 81st minute, setting up a tense finale. But the People’s Elephant showed composure and experience to see out the game and claim all three points.

 

For his decisive contribution, Ideye was named Man of the Match and was presented with a cheque of N150,000, a fitting reward for his game-changing performance.

 

The 36-year-old forward, who returned to the NPFL in a surprise mid-season move, has been praised for bringing both leadership and quality to Enyimba’s frontline.

 

Fans and pundits alike hailed his impact, with many describing his performance as “vintage Ideye.”

 

With the win, Enyimba boosts its push for the top spot in the NPFL table, while Kano Pillars will be looking to bounce back in their next fixture. For Ideye, it was not just about the money or the accolades — it was about reminding everyone that class is permanent.