Former Super Eagles midfielder Haruna Lukman has declared that he would not advise any of his siblings to play in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), citing concerns over match fixing and inadequate treatment of returning international players.

Speaking on The Abu Azeez Podcast, Lukman described the Nigerian league as “very poor” and criticised the lack of respect shown to players who have competed professionally abroad.

He recounted attending a match between Rivers FC and Ikorodu City at Onikan Stadium, where he observed what he described as blatant match manipulation by referees.

“For me, the Nigerian league is out of it because I don’t see it as a league,” Lukman said. “I watched the competition, sat in the VIP section, and witnessed all sorts of match fixing, favouring one team against the other. I can’t advise any of my siblings to play in the Nigerian league.”

Lukman, who played professionally in Europe, including a stint with AS Monaco, expressed disappointment over the disparity between international recognition and the reception of players returning to Nigeria. “It is not easy to win something abroad, and when you come back home to play, they offer you peanuts,” he added.

The former midfielder also opened up about the turmoil within the Super Eagles during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, highlighting disunity and internal conflicts that undermined the team’s performance. Nigeria, then coached by Lars Lagerbäck, failed to progress beyond the group stage, drawing once and losing twice.

“At the 2010 World Cup, it wasn’t just about football. Some players fought physically, others spiritually. We didn’t play as a team. Everyone wanted to shine individually,” Lukman revealed.

“We attacked each other spiritually. It was so bad that you could feel the disconnection on the pitch. That’s why we failed.”