Omotayo Fashola
Brown Ideye, the ex-Super Eagles striker, has hinted that his exclusion from Nigeria’s 2014 FIFA World Cup squad could be tied to his split from his long-time Nigerian representative.
Ideye played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victory, forming a lethal attacking duo with Emmanuel Emenike, the tournament’s highest goal scorer.
During an appearance on The Play Zone, Ideye revealed that tensions arose when he was considering a transfer to West Ham United while also receiving strong interest from West Bromwich Albion.
“Missing the 2014 World Cup might be because I terminated my contract with my Nigerian agent, who had supported me for years,” Ideye disclosed.
He explained that while his Nigerian agent was negotiating with West Ham, another UK-based agent facilitated the smoother West Brom deal, which eventually materialized.
“West Ham talks stalled, but the West Brom move was advancing quickly. I chose the more certain path,” he noted.
“I took the safer option, but my agent felt betrayed because I switched representation. He was angry.”
Ideye said he decided to sever ties to avoid further conflict but suspects his former agent’s close relationship with then-coach Stephen Keshi influenced his World Cup snub.
“At that point, I ended the partnership to prevent more drama,” he admitted. “I’m almost certain this is why I didn’t make the squad—he and Keshi were very close.”
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