Ideye denies calling for broke ex-footballers to be jailed

Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has denied reports claiming he called for retired footballers who end up broke to be jailed, insisting his comments were misrepresented.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner came under criticism last week after a remark he made during an online debate circulated widely, sparking backlash from fans and stakeholders who accused him of being insensitive to the plight of ex-players.

In a statement issued on Sunday and titled Setting the Record Straight, Ideye dismissed the reports as “false and damaging.”

“Let me be clear: These statements are completely false and misrepresent my views,” he said.

“I would never suggest punitive action towards anyone who struggles financially or otherwise. Instead, I advocate for support systems—resources, training and mentorship programmes—to help players navigate life after football.”

The former West Bromwich Albion forward emphasised that conversations about players’ welfare should be rooted in compassion, not condemnation.

“It’s important to approach these conversations with empathy and solutions, not condemnation,” he added.

Ideye also urged the media to avoid false attributions, describing the reports as harmful to his reputation.

“This article is misleading of my person and character, and I strongly condemn it. I urge the public to disregard it and ask the media to desist from false claims and publications as such stories only bring disrepute and sow seeds of discord.”

On social media, the ex-international further warned against hasty conclusions.

“School is not a scam, try to learn how to read and understand the whole story before jumping into conclusions,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The controversy stemmed from his advice to active players to be financially disciplined in response to ex-defender Taribo West’s emotional outburst at the burial of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai, where West accused football authorities of neglecting Nigerian legends.

Ideye had encouraged footballers to start saving from day one of their careers and to build reliable support systems.

But his reply to a follower—“They should be jailed for life if, after they retired from playing, they can’t feed themselves”—was widely circulated, prompting claims he had called for punitive measures against struggling ex-players.

The 34-year-old, who recently retired from international duty, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most experienced forwards, having featured at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and played a key role in the country’s 2013 AFCON triumph.