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.<\/h2>\n
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 \u201clike jobless men.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n On his \ud835\udd4f account, Ideye wrote in all caps: \u201cBecause I have money I should not ask for the one I worked for? Please pay me and the players last season\u2019s match bonuses\u2026 @EnyimbaFC. The season ended in May, till now nothing. The new season starts next month.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n He continued: \u201cThese players deserve the best, but they\u2019re 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?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n 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 \u20a67,000 to \u20a68,000 daily allowances for away games, and none at all on match day.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we had a game on Sunday and travelled Friday, they would pay \u20a67,000 for Friday and Saturday. But on match day, Sunday, you\u2019re on your own,\u201d<\/em> he said.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t get your match bonus weekly or monthly. They pile it up and pay at season\u2019s end, if they feel like it. There\u2019s no fixed system.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n But in a press statement, Enyimba FC dismissed his allegations as \u201cbaseless,\u201d<\/em> insisting Ideye enjoyed exceptional privileges during his stint, privileges that most local players can only dream of.<\/p>\n According to the club, Brown Ideye received a monthly salary of \u20a61 million, was lodged in a \u20a665,000-per-night hotel, and was flown to away matches.<\/p>\n The statement described him as \u201cone of the club\u2019s highest earners\u201d<\/em> and noted his five-goal tally in 13 matches fell short of expectations.<\/p>\n \u201cDespite the coach\u2019s reservations, management welcomed Brown Ideye back with open arms. But rather than lead with professionalism, he sowed division in the dressing room,\u201d<\/em> the club stated.<\/p>\n Enyimba also stressed that under the leadership of Chairman Kanu Nwankwo, a clear and incentivized bonus structure had been introduced.<\/p>\n \u201cPlayers receive double bonuses for wins and personal incentives of up to \u20a61 million. Claims of unpaid bonuses are not only misleading, they\u2019re disrespectful\u201d,<\/em> he said.<\/p>\n Yet, Ideye\u2019s allegations have struck a nerve beyond the club\u2019s structure. The National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) has thrown its weight behind the players, urging the club to urgently settle outstanding payments.<\/p>\n In a statement signed by NANPF chairman, Comrade Austin Popo, the union described the situation as \u201cdisturbing and unpalatable.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWe urge the club\u2019s management to act swiftly to offset all outstanding bonuses. This will prevent further escalation and protect the club\u2019s high reputation, both locally and internationally,\u201d<\/em> the statement read.<\/p>\n