Sports

False, misrepresented, Ideye disowns report on jailing broke footballers

Published

4 hours ago

August 25, 2025

A former Super Eagles striker, Brown Ideye, has denied media reports suggesting he called for retired footballers who end up broke to be jailed.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner came under fire last week after a comment he made during an online debate was widely circulated by several outlets, with many accusing him of being insensitive to the plight of former Nigerian players.

In a statement released on Sunday, Ideye described the reports as false and a misrepresentation of his position.

“Let me be clear: These statements are completely false and misrepresent my views,” he said in the statement titled Setting the Record Straight.

The former West Bromwich Albion forward said his views have always centred on support for footballers and athletes, particularly in addressing the challenges they face after retirement.

“I would never suggest punitive action towards anyone who struggles financially or otherwise.

“Instead, I advocate for focus to be on offering all necessary support, resources, trainings and mentorship programmes to help players/athletes navigate the transition from sports to life after the game,” Ideye explained.

He added that conversations about the welfare of footballers should be approached with compassion, not condemnation.

“It’s important to approach these conversations with empathy and solutions, not condemnation,” he said.

The former Super Eagles star also condemned the reports as damaging to his character and urged the media to avoid false attributions.

“This article is misleading of my person and character, and I strongly condemn it.

“I urge the public to disregard it and ask for the media to desist from false claims and publications as such stories only bring disrepute and sow seeds of discord,” he said.

On social media, Ideye further warned against hasty conclusions and misinterpretations of his comments.

“School is not a scam, try to learn how to read and understand the whole story before jumping into conclusions,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The controversy began days earlier after Ideye advised active footballers to start saving money early in their careers.

His advice came in response to ex-defender Taribo West’s emotional outburst at the burial of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai, where West accused football authorities of neglecting Nigerian legends.

During the online debate, Ideye encouraged players to be financially disciplined. “Footballers, start saving for your future from day one.

“No matter how small your salary is, put something aside for your retirement,” the former footballer wrote.

He also stressed the importance of having the right support system, noting that success after retirement depends on good people and a reliable partner.

But in response to a follower, Ideye had written: “They should be jailed for life if, after they retired from playing, they can’t feed themselves.”

The 34-year-old, who recently announced his retirement from international football, is one of Nigeria’s most experienced forwards, having represented the Super Eagles at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

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Sports

Two Nigerian swimmers bag World Aquatics scholarships

Published

4 hours ago

August 25, 2025

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World Aquatics, the global governing body for swimming, has awarded international training scholarships to two of Nigeria’s rising stars.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported on Monday that Clinton Opute of Delta and Collins Ebingha of Bayelsa are the beneficiaries of the scholarships.

According to World Aquatics, the award is part of its elite development programme designed to provide access to world-class training facilities in Europe.

It is also to prepare the athletes for major international competitions, including the Olympic Games.

According to the programme details, Ebingha’s scholarship will run from Sept. 1, 2025, to Aug. 31, 2026, while Opute’s training grant will extend from Sept 1, 2025, until June 30, 2028, in France and Hungary respectively.

The milestone underscores the steady progress Nigeria has recorded in swimming development, following a series of remarkable achievements in recent years.

It also reflects the strategic sports development agenda of the National Sports Commission (NSC), championed under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade.

The Nigeria Swimming Federation plays a pivotal role in advancing opportunities for homegrown talents.

Significantly, the World Aquatics scholarships are reserved for athletes above 18 years, who demonstrate exceptional promise and strong prospects of Olympic qualification.

Opute and Ebingha’s selection is, therefore, viewed as a recognition of their outstanding potential and Nigeria’s rising profile on the international swimming stage.

It will be recalled that the duo, alongside Abduljabar Adama of Ogun, emerged as standout performers at the 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun.

Their performances confirm Nigeria’s growing pool of elite swimming talents.

Their latest recognition by World Aquatics not only strengthens Nigeria’s Olympic preparations, but also validates the country’s renewed commitment to nurturing world-class athletes.

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Sports

Victor Boniface Nears AC Milan Switch After Completing First Stage Of Medical

Published

2 days ago

August 23, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Nigeria international, Victor Boniface, is on the verge of sealing a move to Serie A giants AC Milan after completing the first stage of his medical examinations in Italy.

The 24-year-old striker, who impressed last season with Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to join the Rossoneri on a season-long loan.

According to reports, Milan will pay an initial €5 million for the deal, which includes a non-mandatory option to buy set at around €24 million. Should the purchase clause be activated next summer, the total package could rise close to €30 million.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio confirmed the progress of the move on social media, writing: “Boniface’s AC Milan fitness tests have been completed.” The forward underwent preliminary checks before proceeding to the Galeazzi Hospital in Milan for further medical assessments.

Transfer insiders Fabrizio Romano, Matteo Morett, and Florian Plettenberg also revealed that Boniface has agreed to terms on a potential four-year contract, which would take effect if the deal is made permanent.

AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has been keen to bolster his attacking options after starting the season with limited choices up front.

With Santiago Gimenez currently the only fit natural striker and Rafael Leao picking up a slight knock while filling in as a makeshift forward, the Rossoneri have been forced to accelerate their search for reinforcements.

The club had previously explored ambitious moves for Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund and Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, but was unable to strike an agreement. Boniface has now emerged as their solution, with Milan hopeful of finalising the transfer in the coming days.

If the deal goes through, Boniface will become Milan’s eighth signing of the summer, joining Luka Modric, Ardon Jashari, Samuele Ricci, Koni De Winter, Pervis Estupiñán, Zachary Athekame, and Pietro Terracciano.

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Sports

Eberechi Eze: Arsenal Unveil £60 Million Signing (PHOTOS)

Published

2 days ago

August 23, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Arsenal have announced the signing of England forward, Eberechi Eze, from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £60 million, including £8 million in add-ons.

Eberechi Eze, a boyhood Arsenal fan, was introduced to supporters at the Emirates before Saturday’s Premier League clash against Leeds United. He will wear the club’s Number 10 shirt.

Arsenal have announced the signing of England forward Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £60 million, including £8 million in add-ons.

Sporting director Andrea Berta described him as a “creative and explosive talent with huge technical quality.”

Manager Mikel Arteta added, “He is a powerful and exciting player who will give us a new dimension in our attacking game. What stands out just as much as his talent and intelligence as a player, is the way he has worked hard throughout his career to get where he is today.

“His journey, his mentality, and his ambition are exactly what we want in our team, and we love how much it means to him and his family to be joining our club.”

Eze, who grew up in Greenwich, south-east London, began his youth career at Arsenal before moving on to QPR, where he broke through at the senior level. In 2020, Crystal Palace secured his signature in a £19.5 million deal, and he went on to score 40 goals in 169 appearances.

Arsenal have announced the signing of England forward Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £60 million, including £8 million in add-ons.

He enjoyed his most productive campaign last season with 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, including the winner in the FA Cup final. His rise also earned him a first England cap in June 2023, followed by a contract extension with Palace later that year.

Although Tottenham Hotspur had agreed terms with both the player and Palace earlier this summer, Arsenal’s late approach proved decisive. Eze’s decision to return to the club where his football journey began added further significance to the move.