Enyimba FC Fires Back at Brown Ideye: “₦1M Salary, Five-Star Hotels—You Scored Just Five Goals”

Enyimba Football Club has issued a detailed response to public criticisms made by former Super Eagles forward Brown Ideye, who recently alleged unpaid bonuses and poor welfare conditions during his time with the club.

In a widely circulated statement, the club addressed Ideye's accusations, stating that they paid him a monthly salary of ₦1 million, lodged him in five-star hotels costing ₦65,000 per night, and flew him to away matches. They expressed disappointment, noting he repaid those efforts with just five goals in 13 matches.

Brown Ideye had taken to social media and podcast interviews to express frustration over unpaid match bonuses from the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season. According to him, players received only ₦7,000 per day for meals during away games, no match-day allowances were provided, and bonuses were delayed until the end of the season without a structured payment timeline. “Because I get money, I should not ask for the one I worked for?” Ideye posted. “Please pay me and the players last season’s match bonuses. @EnyimbaFC, the season ended in May; till now, nothing.”

Enyimba FC, under Chairman Kanu Nwankwo, maintained that the club had implemented a structured bonus system, which included double bonuses for victories and personal incentives of up to ₦1 million per player. The club dismissed Ideye’s claims as baseless and self-serving, reiterating that he was one of the highest-paid players in the league and received full logistical support.

The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has stepped in, urging Enyimba to resolve outstanding payments and uphold player welfare standards. The dispute has reignited broader discussions about financial transparency and contract enforcement in Nigerian football.