New Enyimba striker Brown Ideye has revealed that several Nigerian foreign-based players are keen to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), following in the footsteps of Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi, and himself.
Gists9ja reports that Ideye, who recently signed with Enyimba on a contract extending through the 2024-2025 season, expressed that many players are eager to make the move back home, a trend he believes will positively impact the league.
The 36-year-old forward’s return to the domestic league is significant, as he becomes the third former Super Eagles player with international experience to rejoin the NPFL this season, joining Musa and Abdullahi, who both recently moved to Kano Pillars.
Ideye made his first appearance for Enyimba in a goalless draw against Bendel Insurance, coming on as a substitute in the second half. This match marked his return to top-flight football in Nigeria after a long absence, having last played in the league for Ocean Boys in 2006. He then represented Nigeria at the Under-20 World Cup in Canada in 2007.
After the match, Ideye reflected on his return, stating that it was not just a personal achievement but also an important moment for the league. “I feel like a player like me coming back is something good for the league,” he remarked. He also shared the overwhelming response he received from fellow Nigerian players abroad, many of whom have reached out to him via social media, expressing interest in returning to the NPFL. “I’ve received a lot of messages from players abroad who are looking forward to joining the league,” he said.
Ideye suggested that many players in Europe, particularly those facing difficult situations, are eager to come back to Nigeria and contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the domestic league.
Tuesday’s goalless draw against Bendel Insurance was also the first match for Enyimba under their new head coach, Stanley Eguma. Unfortunately, the result added to the club’s struggles, as they have now gone 13 matches without a win across all competitions. Enyimba are currently placed ninth in the league standings, with 24 points from 16 matches.
Before returning to Enyimba, Ideye had been without a club since parting ways with Kuwaiti side Al Yarmouk in 2022.