Former Super Eagles striker, Brown Ideye, has debunked media reports suggesting he called for retired footballers who end up broke to be jailed.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner faced backlash last week after a comment he made during an online debate was widely circulated, sparking accusations of insensitivity towards former Nigerian players.
In a statement titled Setting the Record Straight and released on Sunday, Ideye described the reports as “false” and a misrepresentation of his views.
“Let me be clear: These statements are completely false and misrepresent my views,” the former West Bromwich Albion forward said. He clarified that his advocacy has always focused on supporting footballers and athletes, particularly in helping them manage life after retirement.
“I would never suggest punitive action towards anyone who struggles financially or otherwise. Instead, I advocate for focus to be on offering all necessary support, resources, trainings and mentorship programmes to help players navigate the transition from sports to life after the game,” he explained.
He stressed that discussions on players’ welfare should be approached with empathy, not condemnation. “It’s important to approach these conversations with empathy and solutions, not condemnation,” he added.
Ideye also condemned the reports as damaging to his character and urged media outlets to avoid false claims. “This article is misleading of my person and character, and I strongly condemn it. I urge the public to disregard it and ask the media to desist from false claims as such stories only bring disrepute and sow seeds of discord,” he said.
On social media, the striker warned against hasty conclusions. “School is not a scam, try to learn how to read and understand the whole story before jumping into conclusions,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The controversy began after Ideye advised active footballers to start saving early, in response to ex-defender Taribo West’s emotional comments at the burial of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai. However, a comment from Ideye during the debate — “They should be jailed for life if, after they retired from playing, they can’t feed themselves” — was widely interpreted as his stance, a claim he now strongly denies.
The 34-year-old, who recently retired from international football, represented Nigeria at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was part of the squad that won the 2013 AFCON.
