The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ideye

  • Ideye not happy with Malaga’s relegation

    Super Eagles’ striker Brown Ideye is an unhappy man following the relegation of his loan club, Malaga FC to the second tier of Spanish football, AOIFootball.com reports.

    Ideye was brought into the team in the winter transfer market to salvage the team from going down, but his efforts were not good enough.

    The player told AOIFootball.com exclusively from his base in Spain that he appreciates the manager and fans of the team for their support all through his stay.

    “It’s unfortunate the situation we found ourselves in. Malaga is an excellent team, but most of the damage was already done before now. But I am confident they can bounce back and return to the LaLiga at the first time of asking,” Ideye said.

    When quizzed about his next career journey, the 29-year-old attacker, who has played in no fewer than eight countries across the globe, said he enjoyed his time in Spain and would be open to another opportunity there.

    “I’m grateful to God that my footballing career has been outstanding, having played in most of the big leagues in the world. I want to keep playing in the big leagues to help develop me further as a player.

    “I like the LaLiga, and I will sure consider playing in another team here. I’m in a good team, and I’m thankful for that, but this year was just terrible year for Malaga FC, and I pray they come back up next year,” Ideye concluded.

    The AFCON 2013 winning striker still has a contract with China’s Tianjin Teda till the summer of 2019, but feelers from the player’s camp indicate he could be on the look for another loan deal.

  • I’ll prove my worth if invited, says Ideye

    I’ll prove my worth if invited, says Ideye

    Malaga FC of Spain striker, Brown Ideye has not ruled out the possibility of playing for the Super Eagles in the future, saying he is ready to prove his worth and fight for the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the World Cup if given the chance, reports AOIFootball.com.

    Ideye, who was instrumental to the Super Eagles’ 2013 AFCON triumph, after forming a solid partnership with Emmanuel Emenike, said he was still willing to play for the Eagles despite the fact that he has been overlooked for the Poland and Serbia friendlies.

    He said he would continue to give his best at club level to improve his chances of getting a another invitation to the Eagles.

    “It’s not too difficult to understand why I was out of the national team fold for a while because of my situation in China last year. But I am here now in Malaga and I believe I can fight and lay a claim for a recall to the Super Eagles’ fold.

    “Maybe the upcoming friendlies are too soon, but I am keeping my options open,” Ideye added.

    The former West Brom striker, however, stated that his eyes were set on making the Eagles’ preliminary squad for the World Cup, insisting that it will provide him an opportunity to prove all doubters wrong.

    “I am working so hard on and off the pitch to make the 30-man preliminary list for the World Cup. Then I will prove myself to the coaches and all Nigerians that I deserve a place in the national team. It won’t be easy but I am fully prepared for the task ahead,” Ideye concluded.

    Ideye last featured for Nigeria in 2016 and will be looking to add to his current 28 caps as the World Cup draws closer.

  • Ideye unhappy over substitution

    Ideye unhappy over substitution

    Brown Ideye was far from impressed after being substituted by Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr as Nigeria got off to a flying start in the race to be at World Cup 2018 in Russia with a 2-1 win away to Zambia.

    Goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi gave Nigeria the victory but Ideye who claimed that he gave the assist for Nigeria’s second goal scored by Iheanacho was unhappy when he was substituted.

    Ideye was replaced by defensive midfielder, Anderson Esiti after Zambia pulled a goal back in the second half and, the Olympiakos striker showed his displeasure by kicking a water bottle in anger on his way to the bench.

    Owngoalnigeria.com  revealed that the 27-year-old didn’t stop shaking his head after taking his spot on the  bench.

    The former West Brom record buy is back in the national team after a two-year absence and he showed his frustration at being substituted at a time he felt he was doing what was expected of him as the lone striker.

    He reluctantly shook the hands of his teammates on the bench before taking his spot, although his actions didn’t seem to bother Gernot Rohr.

  • Ideye dreams super sail in 2016

    Ideye dreams super sail in 2016

    Super Eagles and Olympiacos forward, Brown Ideye has expressed hope that the New Year will further catapult his career to greater heights, describing the out gone year as amazing. The former West Brom ace, who joined in August 2015 after making 24 appearances for the Premiership side and scoring four goals in the bargain, apparently joined in the usual end of year ritual to assess the past and set new goals for the future.

    “2015 has been amazing and i believe 2016 will be grate” he said vide handle ?@OfficialIdeye

    Ideye, who used the opportunity to wish his fans Happy new year, is hoping to continue his goal scoring form for Olympiacos who have already enjoyed five of his goals in 12 appearances.

    One of the goals scored by Ideye that is still tickling the fancy of the fans was the 1-0 defeat of Dinamo Zagreb on October 20th in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages in which he scored from a tight angle in the 79th minute.  Interestingly, Olympiacos believe in the ability of the former Sochaux forward who netted 34 goals for Dynamo Kyiv between 2011 and 2014 to rise to the occasion when it matters most.

  • Ideye cherishes Eagles’ recall

    Ideye cherishes Eagles’ recall

    As the Sunday Oliseh coached Nigeria Super Eagles start their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign in Swaziland this weekend, Olympiakos of Greece striker Brown Ideye has told supersport.com exclusively how missing out on the last World Cup in Brazil affected him. “For sometime I could not sleep. My wife helped me a lot by always telling me that greater things are in store for me in the future.”

    Ideye was one of the regulars for the then coach Stephen Keshi team that won the AFCON in 2013. He also featured regularly through the World Cup qualifiers so it came as a surprise he was not named in the 23 man squad for Brazil. “I was still at Dynamo Kiev and I got a phone call by a friend who told me my name was not on the list he had seen – my friend was almost in tears as he spoke to me. I thought it was a joke. The most painful period was watching the tournament. I supported the team but I felt bad that I was not able to help my country out.”

    Ideye’s last cap was in Calabar in November of 2013 as qualification was sealed for Brazil. He has not been called by the new coach . “I am a Nigerian and always will be available for Nigeria whenever I am called. There is a new coach who is building a new team. I believe that as long as I keep playing well and scoring and providing assists at Olympiakos I believe I will get a call.”

    Ideye is the leading striker for Olympiakos, who sit joint top with Bayern Munich in their Champions League group that has Arsenal rock bottom. He is one of those strikers who is prepared to sacrifice for his team mates “maybe that is what I am paying the price for now” Ideye said. “Honestly, I want to score but I will not attempt to score when I know I have a team mate in a better position”.

    It is perhaps this attitude that made his then partnership with Emmanuel Emenike that took Nigeria to that AFCON title. His absence has been attributed to Emenike’s drought for the national team before his retirement. “People say this a lot that but it is probably a coincidence. Yes, I had a good relationship off the pitch with Emenike which helped us on it.”

    Brown Ideye is extremely proud to flaunt his MON national honour as he does on his social media accounts. If Obafemi Martins can make a return to the Super Eagles while playing in the MLS then there surely must be hope for a striker playing in the UEFA Champions League as long as he keeps playing and scoring. Time will tell.

     

  • Ideye happy with Olympiacos bow

    Ideye happy with Olympiacos bow

    New Olympiacos signing Brown Ideye took to twitter to express his happiness over his debut in the Greece Super League at the weekend.

    The 26-year-old played 90 minutes in Olympiakos 3-1 win against 14th placed Platanias. The Nigerian did not score but had a great game which prompted manager Marco Silva to leave him on for the full duration of the match.

    The Greek Champions did not struggle for goals as Jimmy Durmaz, Alejandro Dominguez, and Arthur Masuaku gave them a three goals lead while before Yaya Banana grabbed a late consolation for the away side.

    ‘So happy about my debut last night with Olympiacos. Looking forward to the next game,’ he posted on his twitter handle @Officialideye.

    Olympiacos have a 100% record so far as they have won all their matches so far this season.

  • Ideye: African players use juju

    Ideye: African players use juju

    Former West Bromwich Albion striker Brown Ideye has warned against the dangers of Premier League players using witchdoctors.

    A report in The Sun newspaper claims players are using black magic to try to improve their performances.

    It says they are paying thousands of pounds to witchdoctors in a bid to find another level.

    The players are visiting juju men in West Africa, where they are shown how to conduct bizarre rituals that are also said to break the curse of injury.

    Emmanuel Adebayor claimed earlier this year that his mum used black magic to ruin his form in front of goal for Spurs.

    Ideye, who left Albion to join Olympiacos last month, has warned some stars are being conned by tribesmen.

    He said: “I know players who get involved with the Juju men and they can’t get out. It’s a trap. They might get short-term benefits, but in the long run they pay for it. Juju men have a lot of influence.

    “These are men who are just trying to make themselves rich and tell you they can make your life perfect.

    “If things like that worked then instead of Messi and Ronaldo winning world player of the year it should be some African players.

    “I would advise players not to follow this route but it’s their choice, I can’t stop them.”

    According to The Sun some of the rituals include the £460-a-time Troupkéka Milika.

    Benin-based Juju man Marabout Degla explained: “During its nine days you cannot sleep with a woman and you should cover yourself with a white loincloth while you sleep at night.”

    Also on offer to players is “a magic ring that allows you to dominate playing partners and opponents during every competition you take part in.”

  • Oliseh monitors Ideye

    Oliseh monitors Ideye

    Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has hinted that new Olympiakos signing Brown Ideye will be invited to the national team in future matches.

    The former West Brom and Dynamo Kiev man has not played for Nigeria for close to two years and missed out on the 2014 World Cup though he assisted the team qualify for the tournament in Brazil.

    “Ideye is one of the players that I will immediately watch. He is in my plans and I want to see him playing for Olympiakos,” said Sunday Oliseh in an interview with Greek media, sdna.gr.

    “His movement in Greece will be good for him and for Olympiakos. Of course this will help me enlist him to my options.”

    Oliseh has no doubt that Ideye is a talented forward and has been tipped to be a Super League hit by the Nigeria manager.

    “He is a fast striker. He is strong in the box and has the ability to score a lot of goals. This is something that I believe he can prove with Olympiakos, now that he has the chance to play in the Champions League.

    “Premier League is a special championship with many difficulties. The level is different from the the other leagues.

    “He did not play much in West Bromwich and this didn’t  help him,” Sunday Oliseh added.

  • Ideye shut out in Olympiacos friendly

    Ideye shut out in Olympiacos friendly

    Nigeria international Brown Ideye was shut out when he featured for Greek champions Olympiacos on Saturday in a friendly match.

    Olympiacos drew goalless with Asteras Tripolis.

    Ideye, who joined the UEFA Champions League campaigners from EPL side West Brom this summer for an undisclosed fee, played the entire second half and showed great promise for the team, but could not get his name on the scoreboard.

    The team missed several players who are on international duties.

    Ideye will be hoping for a great time with Olympiacos to have chance of making a return to the Eagles.

  • Ideye eager to make Olympiakos debut

    Ideye eager to make Olympiakos debut

    Super Eagles striker, Brown Ideye, has issued his first statement since completing his move to Olympiakos from West Bromwich Albion.

    Though the financial terms and duration of the deal have not been officially disclosed by both clubs, it is believed that he will remain with the Super League champions until June 30, 2018 and WBA will get a minimum of six million euros.

    “So happy to be in one of the big clubs in Europe. I can’t wait to get started, allnigeriasoccer.com quoted Ideye as saying on his Twitter handle.

    The Eagles striker joined WBA last summer from Dynamo Kiev for £10million.