Former Super Eagles coach Finidi George has confirmed that AFCON 2013 winner Brown Ideye is on the verge of joining Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) side Rivers United. The revelation comes after Ideye was spotted in Port Harcourt during Rivers United’s recent 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars, fueling speculation about his return to Nigerian football.
George, who recently resigned from his position as Super Eagles coach to take charge of Rivers United, expressed his excitement about the potential signing of the experienced forward. There is every likelihood that he will join us,” George stated after leading his team to another impressive win in the NPFL.
Ideye, 36, has enjoyed a successful career both domestically and internationally, having played for clubs such as West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League, Olympiacos in Greece, and Malaga in Spain’s LaLiga. The forward, who called out Finidi during his short stint with the Super Eagles, has been without a club since leaving Turkish side Goztepe in 2022.
However, it appears that Ideye is now ready to make a comeback and contribute to the development of Nigerian football. He wants to give back, and that’s the most important thing,” George emphasized. “He has that hunger we see in Ahmed Musa, and if he’s willing to do that, we will welcome him.”
Ideye’s potential arrival at Rivers United could provide a significant boost to the squad as they aim to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and challenge for the NPFL title. The Pride of Rivers have been in impressive form under George’s leadership, with the recent victory over Shooting Stars extending their unbeaten run and solidifying their position as one of the league’s frontrunners.
The addition of a player of Ideye’s caliber would not only enhance Rivers United’s attacking options but also bring valuable leadership and experience to the dressing room. The forward’s wealth of knowledge, gained from his time playing in top leagues across Europe, could prove invaluable to the younger players in the squad.
Ideye’s potential move to Rivers United would also mark a significant step in his personal journey, as he looks to give back to the community and contribute to the growth of Nigerian football. The forward, who lifted the Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles in 2013, has expressed his desire to use his experience and skills to help develop the next generation of Nigerian talent.
The news of Ideye’s imminent arrival has generated excitement among Rivers United supporters, who are eager to see the experienced forward in action alongside the club’s recent signing, reliable Football League star Ndifreke Effiong. The prospect of Ideye and Effiong leading the line for the Pride of Rivers is a tantalizing one, and fans will be hoping that the duo can form a formidable partnership that can fire the team to glory.
George’s confirmation of Ideye’s potential move also highlights the growing trend of experienced Nigerian players returning to the NPFL in the twilight of their careers. In recent years, the likes of Ahmed Musa and John Obi Mikel have made high-profile moves to Nigerian clubs, bringing their wealth of experience and star power to the league.
The influx of seasoned professionals like Ideye could help raise the profile of the NPFL and attract more attention and investment to Nigerian football. It could also provide a valuable opportunity for younger players to learn from some of the country’s most successful footballers and develop their skills under their guidance.
As Rivers United continue their pursuit of the NPFL title, the potential addition of Brown Ideye to their ranks could prove to be a masterstroke by Finidi George. The experienced forward’s hunger to give back and contribute to the development of Nigerian football, coupled with his undoubted quality on the pitch, could be the catalyst that propels the Pride of Rivers to new heights.
With Ideye’s move to Rivers United seemingly imminent, fans of Nigerian football will be eagerly anticipating his debut and the impact he can have on the NPFL. If he can recapture the form that made him a star for the Super Eagles and in leagues across Europe, Ideye could be the final piece of the puzzle that helps Finidi George’s side achieve their championship ambitions and etch their names into Nigerian football folklore.
