Enyimba FC, Brown Ideye Clash Over Player Welfare and Bonus Dispute

Posted : 25 July 2025

Tensions have escalated between Enyimba International FC, Nigeria’s nine-time league champions, and former player Brown Ideye over allegations of poor welfare and unpaid bonuses.

Ideye, a former Super Eagles striker, first sparked controversy when he claimed that players at the Aba-based club were subjected to harsh and embarrassing financial conditions, raising concerns about the general welfare and motivation of professional footballers in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Speaking on a podcast, Ideye alleged that during his stint with Enyimba, players received as little as ₦7,000 per day—an amount that was inconsistent and insufficient to meet daily needs.

“At Enyimba, we were receiving ₦7,000 a day. Sometimes ₦8,000, sometimes not even ₦7,000. That’s for the whole day—not for breakfast, lunch, or dinner,” he said.

He explained that the allowance was sent to the team captain, who then distributed it among players, and that it was only paid during match periods.

“Let’s say we have a game on Sunday and we travel on Friday—you get paid ₦7,000 on Friday, ₦7,000 on Saturday, and nothing on match day.”

Ideye also claimed that match bonuses were accumulated until the end of the season, with no fixed structure or guaranteed amount.

“There’s no fixed match bonus. It depends on what the captain and management agree on. You could get ₦15,000, ₦10,000—or even ₦30,000 to ₦40,000 for big games.”

He expressed disappointment, stating that despite Enyimba’s elite status in Nigerian football, player treatment remained subpar. His statements have reignited discussions about the broader state of player welfare in the NPFL, prompting calls for reforms.

Enyimba FC Responds

In a swift and strong rebuttal, Enyimba FC issued an official statement condemning Ideye’s remarks, describing them as misleading and damaging to the image of both the club and the league.

“It is deeply unfortunate that a former Nigerian international, who was welcomed back with open arms, has chosen to malign the very system that embraced him,” the statement read.

The club disclosed that Ideye was paid ₦1 million monthly—one of the highest salaries in the squad—and was offered luxury hotel accommodation at ₦65,000 per night and air travel for away games, privileges not afforded to many others.

“His return was heralded as a symbolic homecoming. Despite the coach’s reservations, the management extended an olive branch and treated him with the dignity his pedigree deserved.”

Enyimba also noted that during Ideye’s tenure, he scored only five goals across all competitions and had a reportedly divisive influence in the dressing room.

“Rather than repay the club’s goodwill with leadership and professionalism, Ideye fell short—both on and off the pitch.”

The club stressed that under Chairman Kanu Nwankwo’s leadership, Enyimba had established a transparent and consistent bonus structure, with players occasionally receiving double bonuses and personal incentives up to ₦1 million.

“His claims of poor player welfare are grossly misleading. His silence while enjoying VIP wages speaks volumes about the motivation behind his sudden outburst.”

Enyimba emphasized the need for returning ex-internationals to build up Nigerian football rather than discredit it.

“This conduct is unbecoming of a professional and a betrayal of the principles of integrity and gratitude. Enyimba FC remains committed to professionalism, reform, and the growth of Nigerian football.”

The club concluded by assuring stakeholders that the "People’s Elephant" will remain focused on its mission to elevate Nigerian football.

Enyimba FC, Brown Ideye Clash Over Player Welfare and Bonus Dispute

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