Brown Ideye retires from professional football

Former Super Eagles striker, Brown Ideye, has announced his retirement from professional football, drawing the curtain on a career that spanned almost 20 years across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The 36-year-old forward confirmed the decision on his social media platforms, thanking God, his family, teammates, coaches, agents, journalists, and fans for their support. “This game made me and gave me everything — joy, sadness, the opportunity to travel the world, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories,” he wrote.

Ideye, who was part of Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, made 27 appearances for the Super Eagles and scored six goals. At club level, he featured for Ocean Boys, Sochaux, Dynamo Kyiv, West Bromwich Albion, Aris Thessaloniki, Malaga, Tianjin Teda, and most recently Enyimba International FC.

Renowned for his clinical finishing, Ideye won league titles in Ukraine and Greece, and built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most reliable strikers of his generation.

Though retiring from active play, Ideye has already stepped into football development. In July, Lagos-based Atlantic Business FC appointed him Director of Player Pathways & Partnerships, a role that will see him mentor and support emerging talents.