Welcome back, Brown Ideye as the most recent foreign based footballer to return home to boost to the domestic football scene.
Going down memory lane….
Late Rashidi Yekini returned to the Nigerian league after 15 years in Europe playing mostly for Vitoria Setubal in Portugal where he scored over a century of goals in two spells. He joined Julius Berger FC, marking a homecoming for the legendary striker and later joined Gateway between 2002 & 2005.
Olympic gold and AFCON winner Daniel ‘the bull’ Amokachi of the golden generation of Super Eagles class of 94 who also played for Clubs like Besiktas in Turkey and Everton in the EPL returned for a spell with Nasarawa Utd as player/coach in 2005.
FIFA U17 world cup winner and Olympic gold medalist Mobi Oparaku returned Gateway & Enyimba (2005/10)
2 time CAF champions league winner with Enyimba who played in Isreali top league for several seasons Dele Ayenugba returned to KwaraUnitedFC in 2020.
Etim Esin, fondly called “Maradona,” also returned from Belgium to join Julius Berger FC. His brief stint with the Bridge Boys was splendid, adding flair to the team.
Godfrey Oboabona, another notable name, returned from Europe to Sunshine Stars FC of Akure. He previously captained the team with an outstanding record.
Ahmed Musa and Abdullahi Shehu followed suit, rejoining Kano Pillars FC. Together, the Super Eagles players reignited the fighting spirit of the team.
Now, Brown Ideye has joined the trend. The former Super Eagles striker, who shone at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa, is back with Enyimba International FC.
At 36, Ideye brings a wealth of experience. Like his former teammates Ahmed Musa and Godfrey Oboabona, who also started in the domestic league, Ideye’s return is significant.
His presence can inspire local players and clubs, elevating the league’s standards on and off the pitch. Known for his skill, intelligence, and goal-scoring prowess, Ideye is a forward in the mould of legends like Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Agali.
