Former West Bromwich Albion striker Brown Ideye has reaffirmed his readiness to represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles, eight years after his last international appearance, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 36-year-old, who recently returned to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with Enyimba, remains hopeful for a national team recall.
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Speaking on Channels Television’s Sports Tonight on Tuesday, Ideye dismissed speculation about his retirement from international football, insisting he would not say no to a callup.
“For sure, I will jump on it because I’m not retired from international football yet. So why not? If I get called up to represent my country, I’m going to honour the invite, for sure,” he said.
Ideye’s last game for Nigeria came in October 2016 during a 2-1 victory over Zambia in Ndola as part of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria team group line-up (NGR), JUNE 23, 2013 – Football / Soccer : FIFA Confederations Cup 2013, Group B match at Castelao Stadium in Fortaleza. Photo by IMAGO
The ex-Sochaux striker, a key figure in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph, played 73 minutes in that match and assisted Kelechi Iheanacho’s winning goal.
However, Ideye’s return to domestic football with nine-time NPFL champions and two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba has restored his confidence in a Super Eagles recall.
The former Malaga forward recently opened his goal-scoring account for the Aba-based club during their emphatic 4-1 win over Mozambique’s Black Bulls in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Ideye managed seven goals in 28 international appearances for Nigeria, including the s3cond goal in the 4-1 defeat of Mali in the semifinals at AFCON 2013 in South Africa.
