Retired Players Who Can’t Feed Themselves ‘Should Be Jailed For Life’ – Brown Ideye

Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has declared that retired footballers who fail to secure themselves financially “should be jailed for life.”

Brown Ideye, 35, made the comment during a social media debate on the struggles of ex-Nigerian internationals, particularly those who once enjoyed lucrative contracts in Europe.

Responding to a follower who argued that such players had little excuse not to build financial stability, Ideye replied: “They should be jailed for life if, after they retired from playing, they can’t feed themselves.”

Ideye’s blunt statement divided opinions instantly. While some Nigerians agreed that financial mismanagement has left many former stars destitute despite earning millions during their careers, others criticised the retired Nigerian striker for being insensitive to the realities of players who did not enjoy the same opportunities abroad.

The debate was triggered by Taribo West’s emotional outburst at the burial of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai on Friday, August 22.

West condemned what he described as the abandonment of football heroes by both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Lagos State Government.

“Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness,” West said in a video shared by News Central, lamenting how Rufai’s family had been left without financial support.

West also recalled similar struggles endured by the families of late Nigerian greats Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha, further fueling anger among fans who believe the nation has failed its football legends.

The emotional remarks opened a floodgate of conversations on social media, with Nigerians split between blaming the football authorities for neglect and questioning why players who once earned huge sums abroad are often unable to sustain themselves after retirement.