Former West Bromwich Albion forward Brown Ideye has revealed that several Nigerian players currently abroad are considering a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Eighteen years after leaving Ocean Boys for Europe in 2006, Ideye has made a homecoming, signing with nine-time NPFL champions Enyimba FC. This move mirrors that of Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa, who also returned to the NPFL to conclude his illustrious career.
Brown Ideye makes his Enyimba debut.
This is beautiful.
He speaks pic.twitter.com/FbHs8equxL
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel (@OgaNlaMedia) December 31, 2024
After making his debut for Enyimba, the former Olympiacos striker expressed his delight in rejoining the league where his professional journey began.
“It was good. I was expecting to come in earlier in the game, but the coach knows best,” said Ideye, reflecting on his first match.
Ideye also disclosed that his return has inspired interest among other foreign-based Nigerian players.
“I’ve received a lot of messages from players abroad who are keen to be part of what’s happening—this movement of foreign-based players coming back to play. It’s a positive development,” he shared.
Ideye’s debut for Enyimba came during a league encounter against Bendel Insurance, which ended in a goalless draw. The 35-year-old was substituted in during the 85th minute, replacing Chinedu Ufere.
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As Enyimba gears up to resume their campaign in the second half of the season on January 19, Ideye will be aiming for more game time and a chance to make a significant impact on the team.