Former Nigerian international Brown Ideye has sparked reactions by suggesting that footballers who squander their earnings and end up destitute after retirement deserve prison sentences.

The ex-Super Eagles forward, who lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, took to social media platform X to caution active players against careless spending.

“Footballers, start saving for your future from day one. No matter how small your salary is, put something aside for your retirement,” the former West Bromwich Albion striker advised.

He added that football is a short-term career, stressing the importance of building sustainable investments and praying for “the right people and a reliable partner” after retirement.

Ideye’s blunt comments came in response to a fan who argued that players with European careers have no excuse for financial struggles. In reply, Ideye said: “They should be jailed for life if, after they retired from playing, they can’t feed themselves.”

The conversation intensified after former Inter Milan defender Taribo West criticized the neglect of football veterans at the funeral of ex-goalkeeper Peter Rufai.

“Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness,” West stated in a video, referencing the late Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha, whose families also suffered neglect.

Frontpagenews.ng reports that the heated exchange has reignited questions about why Nigerian football authorities do little to support former players while also highlighting the urgent need for financial literacy among current professionals.