Former Super Eagles defender, Efetobore Sodje has been locked up for fraud together with his brothers, Stephen and Bright.

The Sodje brothers were found guilty of syphoning funds from their family charity, the Sodje Sports Foundation (SFF).

A National Crime Agency investigation alleges that the brothers syphoned over £60,000 given to the foundation.

The Sodjes were said to have been behind bars since September 2018.

Efe, who is the face of the charity, was sentenced to 18 months prison term, Bright was imprisoned for 21 months and Stephen got two years and six months as his prison sentence.

The judge, Michael Topolski said: “All three of these defendants in various ways exploited their own and their families’ reputation, not only for the benefit of the poor children of the Niger valley but also for their own benefit.

“In this case, the defendants were all well known and respected men, particularly in the world of football and sport both here and in Africa.

“One had the honour of playing for his country in the World Cup final.

“I have no doubt to some extent at least it was that form of respect that made it possible or more likely that their fans and admirers would make donations to the charity that had been formed by them in their name.”

The judge said any good works done in the past by the charity would be “Forever tainted by their dishonest and disreputable conduct”.

Efe Sodje played in the Football League between 1995 and 2015 and appeared for the Super Eagles in the 2000 African Cup of Nations and the 2002 World Cup, while Bright Sodje played professional rugby in the 1980s and 1990s.

Efe, Bright and Stephen Sodje established SSF in 2009 with the intent of helping poor children in the Niger Delta.