Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has publicly called out Nigeria Premier Football League giants Enyimba FC over unpaid match and per diem bonuses from the 2024/25 season.
Ideye, who joined Enyimba ahead of the season as one of the most high-profile signings, alongside Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi at Kano Pillars, expressed deep disappointment with his experience at the club.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner and former West Bromwich Albion forward revealed during a podcast appearance that Enyimba paid players as little as ₦7,000 daily for meals. His comments quickly went viral, sparking widespread reactions.
Following the podcast, Ideye took to social media platform X to further expose the club’s failure to pay match bonuses, urging the management to fulfil their obligations before the new season begins.
“Because I get money I should not ask for the one I worked for?” Ideye asked in Pidgin English. “Please pay me and the players our match bonuses. @EnyimbaFC, the season ended in May. Till now, nothing. A new season starts next month.”
While some fans criticized Ideye’s outspokenness, claiming it could tarnish the league’s image and deter potential sponsors, the 38-year-old fired back, calling such views hypocritical.
“Maybe because it’s not your friend or brother in this situation, that’s why you’re typing nonsense,” he retorted.
“These players deserve better. Many have wives, children, and families to care for. Do you even understand what it takes to travel by road from Aba to Kano and play a game the next day? Clearly, you have no idea,” Ideye added.
The outcry has gained momentum, with fans, journalists, and pundits also criticizing Enyimba for their poor handling of player welfare. Notably, the club is reported to have recorded the highest revenue in the NPFL over the last two seasons, amounting to $1.45 million.
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