New Enyimba striker Brown Ideye, has revealed that many Nigerian foreign-based players are eager to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League, mirroring the moves made by Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi, and himself this season.
Brown Ideye signed with Enyimba on a contract that runs until the end of the 2024-2025 season.
His move marks a significant moment as he becomes the third Super Eagles player who has had experience playing abroad to rejoin the Nigerian league this season, following the arrivals of Musa and Abdullahi to Kano Pillars.
The 36-year-old forward made his first appearance back in the domestic league during a hard-fought goalless draw against Bendel Insurance, coming on as a second-half substitute.
This match marked Ideye’s return to top-flight football in Nigeria after a long hiatus; he last played in the league for Ocean Boys back in 2006, before representing Nigeria at the Under-20 World Cup in Canada in 2007.
After the match, Ideye commented on his return, emphasizing its significance not just for himself but for the league as a whole. “I feel like a player like me coming back is something good for the league,” he stated.
He mentioned the overwhelming response from fellow footballers abroad, who have reached out to him via social media. “I received a lot of messages from other players playing abroad, those who are looking forward to being part of this,” he said.
Ideye indicated there is a strong interest among players in Europe, many of whom are struggling in their current situations, to come back and contribute to the Nigerian league, thereby enhancing its appeal and competitiveness.
Tuesday’s goalless draw was the first game for Enyimba under their new head coach, Stanley Eguma. Unfortunately, the result added to their ongoing struggles, as the club has failed to secure a victory in their last 13 matches across all competitions.
Currently, Enyimba find themselves positioned ninth in the league standings, accumulating a total of 24 points from 16 matches played.
Before rejoining Enyimba, Brown Ideye had been without a club since leaving Kuwaiti side Al Yarmouk in 2022.
