Brown Ideye, a former Nigeria international, has revealed that many Nigerian players abroad are eager to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Completesports.com reports.
The 36-year-old forward made the statement after his debut return for Enyimba in their NPFL matchday 19 goalless draw against Bendel Insurance on Tuesday in Aba.
“I think it’s a good thing. I’ve received a lot of messages on Instagram from players in Europe telling me they would like to come,” Ideye began.
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“But we need to give everyone their respect and support. Their return to the NPFL, and possibly retiring here, will improve the league. It will make it a welcoming home for players abroad because not all players in Europe are doing very well.
“Some of them want to come back home and play, but the league must be improved and made more convenient for them to return.”
Ideye, who began his career at Bayelsa United before moving to Ocean Boys and then Swiss club Neuchâtel Xamax, urged fans of domestic league clubs to support returning players rather than criticise them. He noted that the fear of negative remarks often discourages players from returning.
“They should have an open heart towards players coming back home. Many players abroad want to return, but the shame and criticism from people deter them,” he said.
“We need to embrace returning players just like countries such as Brazil and Argentina do. Their players come back home to retire, so we must open the door for our own players to return, play, and eventually retire here.”
Ideye was introduced into the game in the 79th minute, replacing Ifeanyi Ihemekwele. Reflecting on his debut for the nine-time Nigerian champions, Ideye said he had hoped to feature earlier.
He added: “I feel good. I was expecting to come on earlier, but the coach knows best. So far, I’m feeling great.”
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The former Super Eagles forward expressed confidence in Enyimba’s performance in the second half of the season.
“For me, I think we still have a lot to learn. The league is still young. This is just the end of the first round. We still have the second round to play,” Ideye enthused.
“We need to work together as a team, correct the mistakes that make it difficult for us to win, and be more clinical in front of goal. We’ll strive to deliver good results in every match.”
When asked about improvements in the league since he left 18 years ago, Ideye admitted there is still work to be done but remains optimistic.
“For me, I’d say there’s been a little improvement, but not much. We can’t compete with European leagues overnight, but we’ll get there. My return to the league is a positive step,” he emphasised.
Ideye joined Enyimba last week from Al-Yarmouk of Kuwait. Over the years, he has played for several European clubs, including Sochaux, Dynamo Kyiv, West Bromwich Albion, Olympiacos, Tianjin Teda, Málaga, and Göztepe.
By Sab Osuji in Aba
