Haruna Lukman, a former Super Eagles midfielder, has expressed his deep disappointment with the state of the Nigerian Premier League, going so far as to discourage any aspiring footballers, even his own siblings, from participating in it. His disillusionment stems from several factors, including the perceived lack of respect for players with international experience, the prevalent issue of match-fixing, and the paltry financial compensation offered to players. Lukman’s return to Nigeria after a successful career in Europe, including a stint at AS Monaco, was met with an underwhelming reception, a stark contrast to the recognition and financial rewards he experienced abroad. He believes the league fails to appropriately value the experience and skills that players like him bring, offering meager salaries that do not reflect their worth. This perceived devaluation of experienced players further contributes to his negative perception of the Nigerian league.
The incident that solidified Lukman’s negative view of the Nigerian Premier League involved a match he witnessed between Rivers FC and Ikorodu City. From his vantage point in the VIP section, he observed what he described as blatant match-fixing by the referees, who appeared to favor one team over the other. This incident deeply disturbed him, reinforcing his belief that the league lacks integrity and fairness. The combination of poor financial incentives and the apparent manipulation of match outcomes led him to the stark conclusion that the Nigerian Premier League is not a conducive environment for aspiring footballers. He feels strongly that young talents should seek opportunities elsewhere, where they can develop their skills in a more professional and ethical setting.
Beyond the issues with the Nigerian league, Lukman also revealed disturbing details about the Super Eagles’ disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa. He painted a picture of a team fractured by internal conflicts, both physical and spiritual, where individual ambitions overshadowed the collective goal of national success. According to Lukman, the team was plagued by infighting, with players resorting to both physical altercations and spiritual attacks against each other. This toxic atmosphere undermined team unity and cohesion, ultimately contributing to their dismal performance on the field.
The disunity within the Super Eagles camp extended beyond mere disagreements and escalated into serious conflicts. Lukman described instances of physical fights between players, highlighting the breakdown of discipline and camaraderie within the squad. Even more alarming were his allegations of spiritual attacks, suggesting a level of animosity and mistrust that went beyond the realm of sporting rivalry. These spiritual battles, as described by Lukman, further fractured the team and created an environment of suspicion and paranoia. The players, instead of focusing on their performance and representing their nation, were consumed by internal conflicts and personal vendettas.
The consequences of this internal strife were evident on the pitch. The Super Eagles, coached by Lars Lagerbäck, failed to win a single match in the tournament, drawing one and losing two. Their early exit from the World Cup marked one of the most disappointing performances in Nigeria’s football history. Lukman believes that the team’s tactical shortcomings were exacerbated by the underlying disunity and lack of focus. The players, preoccupied with their personal battles, were unable to perform as a cohesive unit, which ultimately led to their downfall.
The revelations made by Haruna Lukman shed light on the deeper issues plaguing Nigerian football, both at the domestic league level and within the national team. His experiences, ranging from the alleged match-fixing in the Nigerian Premier League to the internal conflicts within the Super Eagles, paint a concerning picture of a footballing system struggling with integrity and professionalism. His decision to discourage young players from participating in the Nigerian league is a stark indictment of the current state of affairs. It underscores the urgent need for reforms and a renewed commitment to creating a fair, transparent, and rewarding environment for footballers in Nigeria. Lukman’s story serves as a cautionary tale and a call for change within Nigerian football.
