By Aina Shehu
Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has ignited a firestorm of debate after controversially stating that retired footballers who end up broke should be jailed.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner made the remarks in a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he urged current players to prioritise financial planning from the outset of their careers.
“Footballers, start saving for your future from day one. No matter how small your salary is, put something aside for your retirement,” the 35-year-old wrote.
Ideye, who recently announced his retirement from international football, argued that professional players must see their earnings as a lifetime salary condensed into a short playing career. He emphasised the importance of financial discipline, investment, and surrounding oneself with a trustworthy support system.
However, it was his response during an online debate that caused a stir.
“They should be jailed for life if, after they retired from playing, they can’t feed themselves,” Ideye replied to one user—an extreme stance that quickly drew both condemnation and praise.
The comment came in the wake of emotional statements by former Super Eagles defender Taribo West during the burial of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai on Friday. West criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government for allegedly abandoning ex-players, citing the struggles of families of Nigerian football icons like Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha.
“Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness,” West lamented in a video that has since gone viral.
West’s remarks revived long-running concerns over the welfare of retired Nigerian footballers. While many fans expressed sympathy and called for institutional support systems, others echoed Ideye’s emphasis on personal responsibility.
The debate has exposed a sharp divide among Nigerians and football stakeholders: one side demanding reform and support from the footballing establishment, and the other insisting that players must do more to secure their futures during their prime.
As the controversy continues to unfold online, neither Ideye nor West has issued further public statements.