AFCON winner rules out Super Eagles return
Forward Brown Ideye has admitted that he may never play for the Nigerian national team again, as he attempts to resurrect his club career in Greece.
The 30-year-old recently signed a one-year contract with Aris Saloniki, ending a six-month spell as a free agent following the expiry of his deal with Chinese Super League club Tianjin Teda in December last year.
Ideye has not played for Nigeria since 2016, when he provided an assist for Kelechi Iheanacho in Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Zambia in Ndola in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.
“I’ve come to realise I’m unlikely to ever play for my country again,” Ideye told Sports Extra, as quoted by The Punch.
“I think I’m more than capable of doing a job for my country. But the fact is that I have been out for 12 months, it’s only best I focus more on getting back to my very best and my club career.”
He added, “It is unfortunate from my point of view but it’s quite plain to see I’m not in their plans.
“Still, I would love to be involved. Representing my country was always the ultimate honour, but it’s just not going to happen any time soon.”
The former Dynamo Kiev and West Bromwich Albion striker made 27 appearances for the Super Eagles in a career which began in 2010.
He was part of the team that won the AFCON in 2013 in South Africa.
