- Former Super Eagles star Ideye has urged Nigerian clubs to fix internal problems before aiming for success in continental football competitions
- The 36-year-old began his career in the NPFL with Bayelsa United and Ocean Boys, where he won the league title
- The striker called for better player welfare to improve performances in domestic and continental competitions
Nigeria and Enyimba International striker Aide Brown Ideye has delivered a blunt assessment of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), calling for urgent reforms to boost its competitiveness and improve player welfare.
The 36-year-old, who recently returned to the NPFL after years in Europe and Asia, believes the league’s current standards are far below what is needed to compete on the continental stage.
Ideye, who began his career in the NPFL with Bayelsa United in the 2006/07 season before clinching the league title with Ocean Boys, has played in some of the world’s top leagues, including stints at Dynamo Kyiv, West Bromwich Albion, and Olympiacos.
After returning to Enyimba International, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner has scored two goals in six appearances. However, his joy at returning home has been dampened by the poor state of the league.
Reflecting on his recent CAF Confederation Cup experience, Ideye lamented Enyimba's early exit in the group stage.
Despite his efforts, including a crucial goal in the team's lone group-stage win, Enyimba finished with just five points from a possible 18. The striker said the league’s declining standards are reflected in NPFL clubs' lacklustre performances on the continent.
In a recent interview, Ideye didn’t hold back,
“The system is getting worse, the league is not getting better, while my time at Enyimba has been wonderful, there are a lot of things in the league that need to improve,” he said.
The former West Brom forward cited poor player welfare as a significant issue, highlighting substandard travel arrangements, inadequate feeding, and poor accommodations,
“In terms of travelling, it’s bad. In terms of feeding, it’s bad. In terms of the hotel and helping the players to relax, it’s all bad,” Ideye noted.
Enyimba, currently ninth in the NPFL standings and twelve points behind league leaders Remo Stars, mirrors the struggles of many Nigerian clubs. Ideye concluded,
“Nigerians and the clubs are not ready for continental football. We should put our house together before going there to disgrace ourselves.”
Referee's decision causes chaos in NPFL showdown between Enyimba and Rangers
Previously, TheRadar reported that the Nigerian Professional Football League witnessed scenes of contention at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on June 9, 2024, when a late penalty decision caused a stir in the crucial match between league leaders Enugu Rangers and second-placed Enyimba of Aba.
The game was abruptly disrupted after the referee John Ojeleye awarded Rangers a penalty in the 99th minute, leading to an unexpected protest and walk-off by the Enyimba team.
