NIGERIA: Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has called on footballers to take financial discipline seriously, saying players who end up broke after their careers should face legal consequences.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champion, who recently confirmed his retirement from international football, took to X to remind active players that their earnings are compressed into a short career span and must be managed as lifetime income.
“Start saving from your first paycheck. No matter how little you earn, always set something aside for the future,” Ideye advised.
He further urged players to pray for a strong support network, noting that having dependable people and the right partner is crucial after retirement.
Ideye’s comments came during a heated online discussion on why some ex-footballers struggle financially. Responding to a follower who criticized those who squander their European earnings, Ideye wrote, “If you retire and can’t provide for yourself, you deserve jail time.”
The debate was fueled by former defender Taribo West’s emotional remarks at the funeral of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai. West slammed the lack of support for Nigerian football legends, citing how families of late stars like Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha also endured hardship.
“Imagine a family having to beg for contributions just to bury a legend. That’s insanity,” West said in a video shared by News Central.
His comments reignited conversations on social media about financial mismanagement among former players and the responsibility of both athletes and football authorities in safeguarding their futures.
Galaxy Sports Media
