Enyimba International FC has publicly dismissed allegations made by former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye, describing his recent criticism of player welfare at the club as “misleading and unprofessional.”
However, while the statement strongly defends the club’s reputation, it fails to address a deepening crisis involving unpaid salaries and bonuses owed to several recently released players and even members of its feeder team.
In a strongly worded response issued on Thursday, Enyimba said Ideye’s remarks distort the truth and unfairly tarnish the image of Nigeria’s most decorated club.
The club insisted that Ideye was well-compensated during his brief spell, citing:
A ₦1 million monthly salary,
Luxury hotel accommodation at ₦65,000 per night,
Paid air travel for away games, and
Access to performance incentives not available to most players.
“His return was treated with dignity and symbolic respect,” the statement read.
“But rather than lead by example, Ideye scored only five goals and reportedly caused divisions in the dressing room.”
However, the club’s attempt to clear its name did not address fresh revelations uncovered by Athletic NG, which show that at least five senior players from the 2024/25 squad remain unpaid months after being released.
Among them are former captain Alalibo Somiari, Ezeh Chidera, Nwaodu Chukwudi Justin, Onyemaechi Austin, and Francis Odinaka all of whom departed by mutual consent earlier this year.
Documents and sources confirm that, following pressure from the players’ representatives, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) brokered a settlement agreement in May. But three months later, only a third of the agreed amount has been paid.
Brown Ideye with Enyimba teammates( photo credit: The Athletic NG Images)
Some of the players, now without clubs, are said to be facing hardship as their careers remain on hold. The outstanding debts include multiple months of unpaid salary and performance-related bonuses.
Additionally, Athletic NG has learned that Enyimba’s feeder team players have not been paid in three months, even though the club settled senior team salaries last month.
If no payments are made in May, it would mark a fourth consecutive month without pay for the youth players raising fresh questions about the club’s financial management and internal prioritisation.
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Ideye’s criticism, initially dismissed by the club, now appears part of a broader problem. In a widely circulated social media post, the ex-international wrote:
“Because I get money I should not ask for the one I worked for? Please pay me and the players last season’s match bonuses. The season ended in May, till now nothing.”
Brown Ideye scored 5 goals for Enyimba (Photo credit: The Athletic Images)
He had earlier alleged that players received as little as ₦7,000 for feeding on away trips highlighting deeper systemic issues in how the former continental champions manage personnel welfare.
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Despite finishing 5th in the Nigeria Premier Football League last season with 55 points, Enyimba has struggled to project stability.
The club’s chairman Kanu Nwankwo, appointed in 2023 after the exit of long-serving boss Felix Anyasi-Agwu, was seen as a symbol of renewal.
Two years later, however, many fans and insiders are increasingly questioning his leadership.
“Enyimba’s reputation is being eroded not just by results, but by failure to honour basic commitments,” said one club insider who asked not to be named.
Photo Credit: The Athletic NG Images
The club maintains it has implemented a transparent bonus structure and reward system under Kanu, including double-win bonuses and cash incentives from management. But those claims ring hollow for affected players still waiting for payment.
Athletic NG will continue monitoring developments, including any response from the NFF or intervention by the NPFL board.
