Sports

False, misrepresented, Ideye disowns report on jailing broke footballers

Published

10 months 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.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 644

Sports

Somalian referee who was elected best in Africa denied entry to US for World Cup Duties

Published

10 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

World Cup referee Omar Artan has been denied entry to the United States, just three days before the tournament is set to begin. The Somali official was poised to become the first-ever referee from his country to take charge of a match at a Fifa World Cup.

Artan, 34, was named the best African referee for 2025 by the Confederation of African Football and has previously officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations. He reportedly encountered difficulties securing a visa but benefited from support from the Somali embassy in Nairobi, which enabled him to obtain a diplomatic passport.

He travelled from Kenya through Turkey to Miami, after FIFA confirmed last week that his visa situation had been “fully resolved” and that he would be available to officiate at the tournament. Denied entry to the US, he has now returned to Istanbul.

The Somali is one of eight referees from CAF selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup. There are also eight from the AFC, nine from Concacaf, one from the OFC, 12 from Conmebol, and 15 from Uefa. Those from Uefa countries include Poland’s Szymon Marciniak, who refereed the 2022 World Cup final, as well as England’s Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver. In total, 170 referees, assistant referees, and video assistant referees will take charge of the record 104 matches across the three host nations.

It currently remains unclear what will happen if Artan is not permitted entry in time for the tournament. The Somali FA and FIFA have been contacted for comment.

The US travel ban has already caused issues for some players expected to feature in the World Cup. Despite not qualifying for the tournament, Somalia features on the travel ban list. Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was initially barred from flying to the country due to travel issues related to a 2018 court ruling; he was convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats and handed a suspended fine. Those issues have since been resolved, and he has arrived in San Diego.

Iran have been forced to change their plans for the tournament and will now be based in Mexico. The squad will only be allowed into the US on matchdays and must leave on the same day.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 45

Sports

Galatasaray ask Osimhen to lure Lookman

Published

14 hours ago

June 9, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Galatasaray have enlisted the help of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen in their pursuit of fellow Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, asking the striker to use his influence to convince his international teammate to make the move to Istanbul this summer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

According to Turkish football outlet Fotomac, the Turkish champions are understood to be seriously interested in signing Lookman from Atlético Madrid, where the 28-year-old has been one of the club’s most impressive performers since joining from Atalanta in a deal worth €35m in the January transfer window. Lookman contributed five goals and four assists in 24 appearances for Diego Simeone’s side, helping them reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League and the final of the Copa del Rey with crucial goals against Barcelona in both competitions.

Galatasaray’s decision to approach Osimhen as an informal mediator reflects the scale of the challenge they face in pulling off the transfer.

Atlético Madrid, who have already lost Antoine Griezmann and are navigating exit talks involving Julian Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth, would be deeply reluctant to sanction another high-profile departure.

Lookman’s versatility and productivity make him precisely the type of player Simeone is unlikely to release without significant resistance.

The financial obstacle is equally daunting.

Lookman’s salary in Spain is understood to be considerably higher than what Galatasaray currently pay most of their players outside of Osimhen’s exceptional €21m-per-year arrangement, and closing that gap would require a creative financial structure.

Osimhen’s relationship with Galatasaray is no secret. The 27-year-old has spoken warmly of the club and its supporters since arriving on loan in 2024/25 before his €75m permanent move was completed last summer.

Lookman has previously been linked with Inter Milan, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray at various points in his career. Whether Galatasaray can structure an offer compelling enough to turn Atlético Madrid’s head, with or without Osimhen’s persuasion, remains the central question of what appears a complex and difficult deal.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 36

Sports

Leao set to miss Eagles friendly after red card

Published

2 days ago

June 8, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Portugal winger Rafael Leão is expected to miss his country’s final World Cup build-up game against Nigeria on Wednesday after being sent off in Saturday’s friendly against Chile, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Leão was dismissed shortly before half-time for punching Chile defender Ivan Román in the face.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Portugal secured a 2-1 victory courtesy of second-half goals from Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes before Román halved the deficit in stoppage time.

The AC Milan forward was handed a starting berth after missing several of the club’s recent matches through suspension and selection decisions by coach Max Allegri.

As a result of his latest dismissal, Leão is expected to miss Wednesday’s friendly against Nigeria if handed the standard one-match suspension.

His suspension could however extend into their group games at the World Cup, potentially missing the games against DR Congo and Uzbekistan.

The clash against Nigeria at the at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria will be Portugal’s third tune up game before departing for the World Cup having won 2-0 against co-hosts USA and Chile as well.

For Nigeria, it will mark the end of a rebuilding window under coach Eric Chelle.

Last Wednesday, the Super Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw by Poland in Warsaw.

Before then, they had beaten Zimbabwe and Jamaica enroute to retaining the Unity Cup title in London.

The last time both countries met before the 2022 World Cup, Portugal beat Nigeria 4-0.

Like it was four years ago, the Super Eagles have missed out on another edition of the tournament, marking their first time they will be missing consecutive tournaments since their first appearance in 1994.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 200