NPFL: Finidi George confirms Brown Ideye’s imminent move to Rivers United

With about 200 goals contributions for clubs in and outside Europe, former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye is likely to join Rivers United, according to head coach Finidi George.

Rivers United head coach Finidi George has disclosed that former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye is nearing a permanent deal with the Port Harcourt-based club.  

Ideye’s rumoured return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), where he started his career with Bayelsa United, has recently gained momentum following reports of him training with Rivers United. This follows a similar trend set by Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi, who recently rejoined Kano Pillars under the NPFL’s Elite Players Scheme framework.  

Speaking to SportsBoom about Ideye’s potential arrival, George said, “Yes, there is every likelihood he will join us. He wants to give back, and that’s the most important thing. He has that hunger. We’ve seen that in Ahmed Musa.  

“If he is willing to do the same, I will welcome him. He’s giving back, and we can’t even pay him.”  

George also highlighted Ideye’s immediate impact on Rivers’s players,  “The impact has been instant. You can see the younger players trying to impress, learning from his movement, tactical awareness, and ability to handle pressure. Brown is very approachable and open to giving advice, sharing his experiences from Europe and the national team.

“It’s not every day that our younger players get to interact with someone who has played in the Premier League and at the World Cup.  

“When players like Brown, who have had successful international careers, come back and stay involved with local teams, it raises the standard. It also shows the younger players that they can aspire to reach those heights.”  

Ideye began his professional career with Bayelsa United in 2007 and has since represented various clubs within and outside Europe, contributing around 200 goals in 418 club matches. For the Super Eagles, he scored six goals in 27 appearances and was part of the team that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).