Enyimba Football Club has issued a rebuttal to allegations made by former Nigerian international, Brown Ideye, who accused the club of owing players unpaid match bonuses and failing to prioritize their welfare.
Brown Ideye, 36, who made a high-profile return to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) in December 2024, took to social media and a podcast to vent his frustrations, saying players were being treated “like jobless men.”
On his 𝕏 account, Ideye wrote in all caps: “Because I have money I should not ask for the one I worked for? Please pay me and the players last season’s match bonuses… @EnyimbaFC. The season ended in May, till now nothing. The new season starts next month.”
He continued: “These players deserve the best, but they’re living like jobless men. Some have wives, kids, and families to care for. Do you even know what it takes to travel from Aba to Kano by road and play a game the next day?”
Before the aforementioned, in an appearance on the Bet9ja Home Turf podcast, the former West Bromwich Albion striker painted a sad picture of life at Enyimba. He alleged players received ₦7,000 to ₦8,000 daily allowances for away games, and none at all on match day.
“If we had a game on Sunday and travelled Friday, they would pay ₦7,000 for Friday and Saturday. But on match day, Sunday, you’re on your own,” he said.
“You don’t get your match bonus weekly or monthly. They pile it up and pay at season’s end, if they feel like it. There’s no fixed system.”
But in a press statement, Enyimba FC dismissed his allegations as “baseless,” insisting Ideye enjoyed exceptional privileges during his stint, privileges that most local players can only dream of.
According to the club, Brown Ideye received a monthly salary of ₦1 million, was lodged in a ₦65,000-per-night hotel, and was flown to away matches.
The statement described him as “one of the club’s highest earners” and noted his five-goal tally in 13 matches fell short of expectations.
“Despite the coach’s reservations, management welcomed Brown Ideye back with open arms. But rather than lead with professionalism, he sowed division in the dressing room,” the club stated.
Enyimba also stressed that under the leadership of Chairman Kanu Nwankwo, a clear and incentivized bonus structure had been introduced.
“Players receive double bonuses for wins and personal incentives of up to ₦1 million. Claims of unpaid bonuses are not only misleading, they’re disrespectful”, he said.
Yet, Ideye’s allegations have struck a nerve beyond the club’s structure. The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has thrown its weight behind the players, urging the club to urgently settle outstanding payments.
In a statement signed by NANPF chairman, Comrade Austin Popo, the union described the situation as “disturbing and unpalatable.”
“We urge the club’s management to act swiftly to offset all outstanding bonuses. This will prevent further escalation and protect the club’s high reputation, both locally and internationally,” the statement read.
“We sincerely hope this matter is treated with the urgency it deserves to avoid the declaration of a trade dispute.”
The post Enyimba FC Fires Back At Brown Ideye Over Unpaid Bonus Allegations appeared first on Naija News.
