Former Super Eagles forward Brown Ideye has urged footballers to take financial planning seriously, insisting those who end up broke after retirement deserve jail time, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner, who recently announced his retirement from international football, used his official X account to advise active players to treat their wages as a lifetime’s salary earned in just a few years.

“Footballers, start saving for your future from day one. No matter how small your salary is, put something aside for your retirement,” Ideye wrote.

He added that players should also pray for the right support system, stressing the importance of good people and a reliable partner after their careers end.

The 35-year-old was responding to an online debate about players who fail to invest wisely. A follower had argued that professionals, particularly those who played in Europe, have little excuse not to build solid financial security.

“They should be jailed for life if, after they retired from playing, they can’t feed themselves,” Ideye replied to the follower.

The debate started after ex-defender Taribo West’s emotional outburst at the burial of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai on Friday, when the former Inter Milan star condemned the alleged neglect of Nigerian football heroes by both the Nigeria Football Federation and the Lagos State Government.

West lamented that Rufai’s family had been left without financial support, recalling similar struggles endured by the families of late icons Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, and Thompson Oliha.

“Could you imagine that the family would be crying just to solicit within our groups to ask for money? That is madness,” West said in a video posted by News Central.

The passionate remarks sparked heated debate on social media about the financial woes of ex-internationals, with many questioning why some players, particularly those who had long stints in Europe, fail to secure themselves after football. (Sunday PUNCH)