When former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye signed for Enyimba FC last season, his arrival was hailed as a coup for Nigerian football. The two-time African champions, led by legendary ex-international Kanu Nwankwo, were seen as entering a new era of ambition and professionalism. But barely a year later, Ideye’s stint has ended in bitter controversy, unmet expectations, and accusations that have thrown the club into the media spotlight.

 

At the heart of the storm are claims made by Ideye regarding alleged poor player welfare at Enyimba — claims the club has firmly rejected, calling them “misleading” and “self-serving.”

Ideye, who boasts a career that includes spells in the English Premier League and Europe’s top leagues, joined Enyimba on a reported ₦1 million monthly salary — one of the highest in the team. His contract included perks rarely afforded to local league players: a ₦65,000-per-night hotel accommodation, air travel for away games, and other privileges. These were extended as a sign of respect for his international pedigree.

But on the pitch, the return was underwhelming. Ideye scored just five goals in all competitions, a tally that disappointed fans and fell far short of expectations given the club’s investment in him.

“His performance simply did not justify the wages,” a club insider told reporters. “We brought him in to inspire and lead, but that leadership never materialized.”

Beyond the statistics, Ideye’s influence reportedly caused friction within the squad. According to sources close to the team, his presence disrupted team cohesion and created tension — a concern that had reportedly led Rivers United to reject the chance to sign him before he joined Enyimba.

 

“It became clear early on that the coach was not keen on having him in the squad,” another official confirmed. “His signing was largely a management decision, and in hindsight, it was a mistake.”

 

Ideye recently made headlines with public comments alleging poor treatment of players, including claims that some earned as little as ₦7,000 daily and were denied bonuses. Enyimba’s management, however, has pushed back firmly, saying such accusations misrepresent the reality under Kanu Nwankwo’s leadership.

 

Under the current administration, Enyimba has implemented a more structured bonus system, replacing the inconsistent, end-of-season payments previously dependent on government allocations. Players are now reportedly paid bonuses intermittently, and in some cases, double bonuses for both home and away wins.

Club officials also stated that both Kanu Nwankwo and the sporting director have personally added ₦500,000 to ₦1 million in performance-related bonuses to motivate the squad.

“All entitlements, including those of departing players, have been settled promptly,” one official emphasized. “These are verifiable facts — anyone can speak to the team captain or coaching staff.”

Enyimba’s management says the episode has been a hard lesson in balancing sentiment with practicality. While Ideye was brought in with the best intentions, his tenure has left a sour aftertaste.

“His outbursts seem more about grabbing attention than telling the truth,” one official remarked. “This club is moving forward with or without him.”

 

Despite the controversy, Enyimba appears committed to its reform agenda. Under Kanu Nwankwo’s watch, the club has focused on player welfare, financial discipline, and restoring its competitive edge in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

 

As for Ideye, his time at Enyimba may have ended, but the ripple effects of his short, controversial stay may linger — not just in Aba, but across Nigerian football.