Sports
Why I Won’t Let My Siblings Play In NPFL —Ex-Eagles Midfielder Haruna Lukman
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Haruna Lukman , has stated that he will never recommend any of his siblings to play in the Nigerian league.
Speaking during an interview on The Abu Azeez Podcast and sighted by PUNCH Online on Monday, the ex-Nigerian international said the Nigerian league is characterised by match fixing, citing a recent match between Rivers FC against Ikorodu City.
“The Nigerian Premier League is very poor, I am very sorry to say. They do not respect the senior ones who played in Europe, because coming down to play in Nigeria, they need to show us some respect. It is not easy to win something abroad, and when you decide to come back home to play, they offer you peanuts.
“For me Nigerian league is out of it, because I don’t see the Nigerian league as a league. I watched a competition they played at Onikan, it was my first time witnessing it. I went to watch Rivers against Ikorodu City. I sat down at the VIP and witnessed all sorts of match fixing by the referees, favouring one team against the other. I can’t advise any of my siblings or any of my siblings to play in the Nigerian league, ” he said.
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Having played professionally in Europe, the individual expected a degree of respect, recognition, and fair treatment upon returning to Nigeria, but instead encountered a disappointing and disheartening environment.
The former AS Monaco star also revealed shocking details of the crisis that rocked Nigeria’s camp during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, stressing that the Super Eagles lacked unity and discipline both on and off the pitch.
“At the 2010 World Cup, it wasn’t just about football. There were serious issues. Some players fought physically, others spiritually. We didn’t play as a team. Everyone wanted to shine individually,” Haruna revealed.
Nigeria, coached then by Swedish tactician Lars Lagerbäck, crashed out of the group stage after failing to win any of their three matches, drawing once and losing twice.
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Haruna insisted that the problems were beyond tactics, stressing that disunity and personal interests overshadowed national pride.
“We attacked each other spiritually. It was so bad that you could feel the disconnection on the pitch. That’s why we failed,” he added.
The Super Eagles’ 2010 campaign remains one of the most disappointing in Nigeria’s World Cup history, and Haruna’s revelations shed new light on the behind-the-scenes turmoil that contributed to the poor outing.
Sports
EPL: Why I Won’t Stay One More Year At Man Utd – Casemiro
Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has explained why he won’t stay one more year at the club.
The 34-year-old is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season.
The Brazilian, however, had been urged by the club’s fans to extend his contract by one more year due to his brilliant display for Michael Carrick’s side this term.
READ ALSO:EPL: Chelsea Winger, Mudryk Banned For Four Years After Failing Drug Test
Speaking on the development, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil, “There is no chance [for me to stay one more year].
“It is leaving through the front door. It has been four wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club but to the fans.
“I think it is over. The cycle has ended here. I am moving on to a new chapter in my career.”
Sports
EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title
Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.
City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.
The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.
READ ALSO:EPL: Chelsea Winger, Mudryk Banned For Four Years After Failing Drug Test
Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.
He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.
“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”
Sports
UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies
Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.
Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.
Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.
READ ALSO:EPL: Guardiola Reveals Only Chance Man City Will Win Title Ahead Of Arsenal
According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.
“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.
“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.
READ ALSO:EPL: Arsenal In Shock Move To Sign Kvaratskhelia From PSG
“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.
“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”
Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.
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