In a significant boost to Nigerian football, Brown Ideye, the 36-year-old forward and 2013 AFCON champion, has officially signed with Enyimba FC as a free agent. The experienced striker, known for his tenure with West Bromwich Albion in the English Premier League and several other clubs across Europe and Asia, is returning to his roots in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Ideye’s return marks a continuation of a trend where high-profile Nigerian players, such as Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi, are coming back to bolster domestic football. His presence is expected to significantly enhance Enyimba’s attack and inspire younger players in the league.
Ideye was a key figure in Nigeria’s victorious 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Enyimba FC, an eight-time NPFL champion and one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs, will benefit from his international exposure and proven goal-scoring abilities.
Fans and analysts alike are optimistic about Ideye’s impact on the league, as the return of such talent contributes to raising the NPFL’s profile and competitiveness. This move signals a promising phase for Nigerian football, bridging the gap between international experience and local talent development.
