Recently retired Super Eagles forward Brown Ideye has weighed in on the debate surrounding the poor treatment of Nigerian football heroes after their retirement.

The 35-year-old emphasized the importance for professional footballers to prioritize financial planning during the active days of their playing career to avoid the horror of living impoverished lives post-retirement.

In a very controversial remark, the 2013 AFCON winner stated that any footballer who becomes broke after retirement deserves a jail term.

“Footballers, start saving for your future from day one. No matter how small your salary is, put something aside for your retirement,” Ideye wrote while responding to a debate on the subject on social media.

“They should be jailed for life if, after they retire from playing, they can’t feed themselves,” Ideye added.

Ideye's remark comes amid the debate surrounding the neglect of retired players following the sudden passing of former Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who was laid to rest on Friday, August 22.

WDN