"I don't have a second wife or family" - 2013 AFCON winner blows HOT amid reported paternity scandal

Brown Ideye has taken to social media to issue a public response amid a reported paternity scandal for which he is allegedly embroiled in.

The 35-year-old striker, currently playing for NPFL giants Enyimba FC, previously found himself in hot water following allegations of a paternity scandal involving a Ukrainian businesswoman.

Yana Voloshchenko, who says she is the mother of Ideye’s two children, has accused the former Dynamo Kyiv and West Bromwich Albion forward of neglecting his parental duties.

 In an exclusive interview with Pulse Sports Nigeria, Voloshchenko stated, “He hasn’t fulfilled his duties as a father since January 2022.”

The war in Ukraine had reportedly worsened her financial and emotional burden, with the mother of two claiming Ideye owes over $150,000 in unpaid child support.

The alleged agreement between the two parties states Ideye must pay $7,000 monthly in child support for their two children, Joel and Mitchell. 

Voloshchenko is adamant in her pursuit of justice, telling Pulse Sports Nigeria, “My lawyers are indeed contacting the police and the Nigerian government office at the moment… I won’t rest until they put him in his place!”

Clearly infuriated by the public narrative, Ideye finally broke his silence in a fiery post via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account. 

In all capital letters, he wrote:

While social media buzzed with speculation, Ideye’s response appeared to double down on his denial, asserting loyalty to his long-time wife, with whom he tied the knot in 2010. 

However, the striker did not address the legal claims directly nor offer clarity on the alleged $150,000 debt or the identities of Joel and Mitchell.

Despite these serious accusations, there is no official word from the Nigerian Police or Interpol indicating that Ideye is wanted. 

Still, the heat continues to mount, as Voloshchenko insists the matter will not be dropped until it reaches the highest levels of legal redress in both Ukraine and Nigeria.

This is not the first time Ideye’s off-pitch life has drawn international attention.

In 2017, multiple news outlets including Vanguard, and The Herald, reported that a Swiss court ordered him to pay CHF 225,000 (approx. $225,000) in child support to Francisca Errol, a secretary at Swiss club Neuchatel Xamax, following claims that Ideye fathered a child with her during his tenure at the club between 2007 and 2009.

With a career that spans clubs in Switzerland, France, Ukraine, England, Greece, and Spain, and a trophy cabinet that includes league titles with Olympiacos and Dynamo Kyiv, Ideye’s public image is now under scrutiny. 

While his achievements on the pitch remain undeniable, the scandal appears to dampen his legacy outside of the game.