"Why I Was Left Out Of 2014 World Cup Squad" – Ideye

"Why I Was Left Out Of 2014 World Cup Squad" – Ideye

Sampson Adedeji

Former Super Eagles forward Brown Ideye has revealed that his omission from Nigeria’s squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup may have been linked to a fallout with his longtime Nigerian agent, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking in an interview on The Play Zone, Ideye explained that the issue began during transfer negotiations involving West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion.

According to the striker, his Nigerian agent was handling discussions with West Ham, while a UK-based representative facilitated talks with West Brom, which progressed more quickly and was close to completion.

“I was left out of the 2014 World Cup squad because I ended my contract with my Nigerian agent, who had supported me throughout my career,” Ideye said.

He noted that while the West Ham move stalled, the West Brom deal offered greater certainty, prompting him to make the switch.

“The West Ham deal wasn’t moving forward, but the West Brom deal was all set. I chose the safer option,” he explained.

Ideye added that his decision strained his relationship with his agent, who felt betrayed by the involvement of another intermediary.

“I chose what was certain, but he felt I had betrayed him by working with another agent, and he became upset,” he said.

The former striker further suggested that the breakdown in that relationship may have influenced his exclusion, hinting at a connection between his agent and then Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi.

“I told him I didn’t want any conflict, so we should go our separate ways. I 99.9 percent believe that was the reason I was left out because he and Keshi were close,” Ideye concluded.