Former Super Eagles striker, Brown Ideye, has called on professional footballers to plan their finances carefully, warning that those who go broke after hanging up their boots have no excuses and should even face jail.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner, who recently confirmed his retirement from international football, took to his official X handle to remind current players that their earnings are compressed into just a few short years.
“Footballers, start saving for your future from day one. No matter how small your salary is, put something aside for your retirement,” Ideye wrote.
He also urged players to surround themselves with trustworthy people and pray for a supportive partner once their careers end.
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The 35-year-old was responding to an ongoing social media debate on the financial struggles of ex-internationals. A follower had argued that players — especially those with European careers — have little reason to face hardship later in life.
“They should be jailed for life if, after they retired from playing, they can’t feed themselves,” Ideye replied.
The online conversation was triggered by an emotional appeal from former defender Taribo West at the funeral of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai on Friday. West criticised both the Nigeria Football Federation and the Lagos State Government, accusing them of neglecting the country’s football icons.
“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.
West’s outburst reignited debate about why some former stars, despite long and lucrative careers abroad, fail to secure their future — a question now being fiercely discussed across Nigerian football circles.