Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has raised concerns about the increasing trend of players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) moving to lesser-known leagues, suggesting this could negatively impact their long-term career prospects.
In a tweet shared on Thursday, Ideye expressed his disappointment regarding the shift of Nigerian footballers to less prominent leagues in countries like Iraq and Albania, known for their low-key football competitions. His comments were inspired by a post from football journalist Tobi Adepoju, who highlighted the trend of top talents from the NPFL seeking opportunities in these obscure leagues.
“It’s truly unfortunate to see agents facilitating the exit of our young talents so early in their careers. Are they really thinking about the players’ futures? Starting out at a second division club in France, Spain, or Germany would be much more beneficial, as it opens doors to bigger clubs down the line,” Ideye tweeted.
A key member of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, Ideye has recently returned to the NPFL, signing with Enyimba after over 15 years abroad playing for notable clubs like West Bromwich Albion, FC Sochaux, Dynamo Kyiv, Olympiacos, and Malaga, among others.
