AFCON 2013 champion Brown Ideye has retired from professional football at 36, closing a 19-year career that spanned Nigeria, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
The former Super Eagles striker announced his retirement on 19 August 2025. His last appearance came in May 2025 when Enyimba faced Plateau United in the Nigeria Premier League.
Ideye’s career begun at Bayelsa United and Ocean Boys, where he won the domestic league title in 2006. He later moved to Europe, playing for Neuchâtel Xamax, FC Sochaux, Dynamo Kyiv, West Bromwich Albion, and Olympiacos.
He also featured for Tianjin Teda in China, Málaga in Spain, and Aris Thessaloniki in Greece. His return to Nigeria in the 2024/25 season with Enyimba marked the final chapter of his playing days.
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Internationally, Ideye have earned 28 caps and scored six goals for Nigeria. He was part of the squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations under coach Stephen Keshi and represented Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup and the 2013 Confederations Cup.
Following retirement, Ideye had assumed the position of Director of Player Pathways and Partnerships at Atlantic Business FC, a club in Nigeria’s TCC League. The appointment signalled his intent to remain active in the sport.
Observers noted that Ideye’s next steps could include coaching, punditry, or wider football development roles. His career path after playing is now under close watch by many, including fans and analysts.
