Nigeria striker Brown Ideye announces retirement from football

Former Nigeria international, Brown Ideye has called time on his illustrious career at the age of 36-years.

The AFCON 2013 winning striker announced on Tuesday that he will no longer grace the green turf after journeying across Europe and Asia where he played for clubs like, Neuchatel Xamas, Sochaux, Dynamo Kiev, West Bromwich Albion and Olympiacos.

Ideye, whose last official game was the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League match between Enyimba and Plateau United in Aba in May, announced on his official X (formerly known as Twitter) account late on Tuesday night.

“After much thought and consideration with mixed emotions, I’ve decided to retire from professional football,” Ideye said in a post on Tuesday night.

“I will first like to thank God for the talent and the long career I’ve enjoyed. I thank my family and friends for their unwavering love, support, and understanding till this day. This game made me and gave me everything- incredible joy, sad days, the opportunity to travel and see the world, lifelong friendships, and so many unforgettable memories.

“To all the Agents who worked tirelessly and negotiated with clubs for my dreams to come true- thank you. To all the sports journalists who spent long hours day and night covering and highlighting my career, I owe you a depth of gratitude. To every club I’ve had the honour of wearing their jersey and representing, every coach and teammate who pushed and rooted for me to be better, and every fan who supported me through highs and lows — thank you.

“Thank you, Nigeria, for the opportunity you gave me to wear the national colour and be among the Super Eagles. Though my time as a pro-player has come to an end, football will always be a part of my life as I enter my next chapter.

“Thank you all for being a part of this journey, and I look forward to still seeing you on these football streets,” the statement concluded.

Ideye made his Super Eagles debut in 2010 in a 2-1 international friendly defeat to South Korea. He would go on to play an important role in Nigeria’s run to the AFCON triumph in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi.

He also featured for Nigeria at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil. But last played for the Super Eagles in 2016.

He also played in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Premier League, and CAF Confederation during his nearly two-decade career that saw him win league titles in Greece and a cup title in Ukraine.

His club experience includes stints at China’s Tianjin Teda before a loan spell at Malaga. He has also played for Aris in Greece and Goztepe in Turkey, Al-Yarmouk in Kuwait before returning to the Nigeria premier football league with Enyimba.