Former Super Eagles striker and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champion, Brown Ideye, has joined nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Enyimba, on a deal lasting until the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.

Enyimba’s Sports Director, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, expressed enthusiasm about the high-profile signing, emphasising the veteran striker’s potential to enhance the team’s attacking prowess in both domestic and continental competitions.

“The discussions have been ongoing for some time, and we finalised everything yesterday,” Ekwueme confirmed to reporters on Tuesday. “Brown will be with us for the remainder of the season, and we believe his presence will significantly bolster our attack as we strive for success in the league and on the continent.”

Ekwueme added, “We are thrilled to welcome Brown Ideye to the team. He is a proven goal-scorer whose experience will be invaluable as we aim for glory in the NPFL and the CAF Confederation Cup.”

The 36-year-old, who has been without a club since leaving Kuwaiti side Al-Yarmouk in 2022, surprised many fans who assumed he had retired. His return to the NPFL is a major boost for Enyimba, whose struggles in front of goal could be alleviated by the striker’s experience and pedigree.

Ideye began his career with Ocean Boys, where he played a crucial role in their maiden NPFL title triumph in 2006.

He subsequently embarked on an illustrious career in Europe and beyond, representing clubs such as Neuchâtel Xamax (Switzerland), Sochaux (France), Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine), West Bromwich Albion (England),