Rivers United manager, Finidi George has hinted that former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye is close to joining his team.
Ideye was recently seen training with Rivers United and watching their games from the stands.
In an interview with the media, Finidi said he is open to Ideye joining the NPFL club.
“Yea, there is every likelihood that he will join us. He wants to give back. That is the most important thing. He has that hunger. We’ve seen that in Ahmed Musa.
“If he is willing to do that, I think I will welcome him. He is giving back, We can’t pay him.
“Brown is a player I’ve known for years, and his experience speaks for itself. We thought it would be beneficial for our players, especially the younger ones, to learn from someone who has competed at
the highest level.
“It wasn’t just about his skillset, but the professionalism and work ethic he brings to the table. That’s something every team needs,
especially as we aim for greater success this season.”
Finidi emphasised that the players are already benefiting from Ideye’s time at the club.
“The impact has been immediate. You can see the younger players trying to impress, learning from his movement, his tactical awareness, and his ability to handle pressure. Brown is very approachable, and he’s been open to giving advice and sharing his experiences in Europe and with the national team.”
Finidi added that Ideye’s ability to remain calm and focused under pressure has been one of the biggest takeaways for the squad.
“It’s not every day that our younger players get to interact with someone who’s played in the Premier League and at the World Cup.
“It’s crucial for Nigerian football. 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.
“This isn’t just about Rivers United; it’s about Nigerian football as a whole. The more veterans stay engaged, the more our domestic league grows in quality and competitiveness.
“It sends a powerful message to the players when someone like Brown takes time out to not only train but also support them during a match,” George said.
“It shows them that they are worth watching that their progress matters. It’s a huge source of inspiration.”
The striker once played for Ocean Boys of Bayelsa in the Nigerian league between 2006 and 2007, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances.
