Brown Ideye Reacts to World Cup Snub as Nigeria Finalises Squad Selection
Brown Ideye, the Nigerian international forward and Dinamo Kyiv striker, has expressed deep disappointment following his exclusion from Stephen Keshi’s provisional squad for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Despite his solid performances at club level, where he lines up alongside notable talents such as Younès Belhanda and Dieumerci Mbokani, Ideye’s name was noticeably absent when Nigeria’s national team coach announced his 30-man shortlist. The decision has left many observers surprised, given Ideye’s experience and past contributions to the Super Eagles setup.
Speaking candidly after the announcement, the 25-year-old forward made no effort to hide his frustration. “I’ve reached a point where nothing surprises me in football anymore,” Ideye told reporters. “Now I just want to forget this big disappointment and move on.”
This setback represents a significant blow for Ideye, who had harboured hopes of featuring on football’s grandest stage. With Nigeria set to face Argentina, Iran, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the group stage, Ideye’s physicality and attacking versatility were seen by some as potential assets in Keshi’s tactical arsenal.
While the coach has not publicly explained every omission, speculation is rife that Ideye’s lack of recent match rhythm may have played a role. The Ukrainian Premier League, where Dinamo Kyiv competes, has been severely disrupted due to the ongoing political and security crisis in the country. Matches were suspended for several weeks, impacting players’ form and visibility, and possibly influencing selection decisions.
For Ideye, the timing could not have been worse. The forward has been a part of Nigeria’s national setup since 2010 and was a member of the victorious squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. However, inconsistent form and limited playing time during the disrupted Ukrainian season may have diminished his chances in Keshi’s eyes.
Despite the disappointment, Ideye was gracious and forward-looking in his response. His focus now shifts to his club career, and perhaps, proving his worth for future national team call-ups. “It hurts, of course. But football is unpredictable. All I can do is keep working hard and let my performances speak for themselves,” he added.
The Super Eagles, meanwhile, will press ahead with preparations for the tournament, where they aim to make a strong showing and improve on their round of 16 finish from the 1998 and 2014 editions. For players like Ideye, the World Cup will be watched from afar — a reminder of football’s often unforgiving nature.
As the team moves on without one of its former stars, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Nigeria’s attacking unit can thrive in his absence — and whether Ideye can bounce back stronger in the months to come.
