Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has signed with nine-time NPFL Champions, Enyimba, for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. The announcement, confirmed by Enyimba’s Sporting Director Ifeanyi Ekwueme, marks a dramatic return to the Nigerian top flight for the 36-year-old, who has been without a club since leaving Kuwaiti side Al Yarmouk in 2022.
The deal, finalized after weeks of negotiations, sees Ideye make a remarkable return to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) 17 years after departing Ocean Boys in 2006. His career has since taken him to several clubs in Europe and the Middle East, including stints at West Bromwich Albion, Dynamo Kyiv and Olympiacos, but his decision to rejoin the NPFL with Enyimba is a clear signal of intent.
“It’s a deal that we believe will bolster our attacking options,” Ekwueme told reporters. “Brown brings a wealth of experience and goalscoring pedigree, both domestically and internationally. We are confident that he will play a pivotal role as we look to challenge for the league title and make a mark in the CAF Confederation Cup.”
READ MORE: Galatasaray president reveals Victor Osimhen’s transfer plans amid speculation
The transfer is a significant boost for Enyimba, who are in the midst of a busy fixture schedule. The team is preparing for two critical matches over the next five days: a rescheduled NPFL clash against Sunshine Stars and a crucial group-stage game in the CAF Confederation Cup against Mozambique’s Black Bulls.
Ideye’s return also highlights a broader trend of former Super Eagles stars making moves back to Nigeria, following in the footsteps of players like Ahmed Musa and Abdullahi Shehu, who both recently returned to domestic football with Kano Pillars. The influx of seasoned internationals has injected renewed energy into the local league, and the addition of Ideye is likely to further raise the profile of Nigerian football.
A Familiar Face, A New Chapter
For Ideye, this move represents a return to his roots. A star in the Super Eagles’ victorious 2013 AFCON campaign, he has a rich history in the national team, scoring key goals in some of the most memorable moments of Nigeria’s footballing history. His decision to join Enyimba, a club with a proud tradition of success, also shows his desire to contribute to the continued growth of Nigerian football at the domestic level. His arrival is expected to strengthen Enyimba’s attacking force, which has often struggled to convert chances this season. As a proven goal scorer with a dynamic style of play, Ideye could be the missing piece Enyimba needs to revive their title aspirations and make a strong run in Africa.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
The Road Ahead
Enyimba’s next challenge comes quickly, with a midweek encounter against Sunshine Stars in the NPFL, followed by a continental clash in Maputo, Mozambique, against Black Bulls. The team’s immediate focus will be on securing vital points in both competitions, and Ideye will no doubt be in the spotlight as the club’s new talisman.
As Enyimba eyes another NPFL title and a deep run in the CAF Confederation Cup, the return of Brown Ideye could be the spark the club needs to reclaim its position as one of the dominant forces in African club football.
For Nigerian fans, the signing is a thrilling reminder that their homegrown talent continues to make waves on the international stage—and now, the man who once starred at the 2013 AFCON is set to bring his magic back to Nigeria’s footballing heartland.
