The World Cup Is Fascinating

Published on June 30, 2010 by TheNEWS · No Comments

AS Monaco and Super Eagles midfield starlet, Lukman Haruna, tells TUNDE OYEDELE how he is finding the World Cup

How do you feel playing at the World Cup?

It’s fulfilling, very fulfilling for me because well over 44 players were listed before the World Cup camping began Donít you think you got into the squad on merit?

Yes. Largerback personally told me that I’m doing well and that he likes my game. But I still feel that it’s Godís wish that I’m in the Super Eagles. Coach Lagerback speaks a lot to me and what I have observed is that he wants me to play a good game and I think I’m trying my best.

Nigeria’s opening match against Argentina brought out the best in the team, but you came out of it with a yellow card. Did that upset you?

Yes. I was surprised when the referee gave me a yellow card because I only fought for the ball. I was sad about the card, that’s the truth. But that’s football and I have put that issue behind me.

You were a bit hard on Lionel Messi, remember you said so?

Yeah, something like that. But the Argentines were also rough against us, especially their defenders. All the same, it’s a game of football, anything can happen.

Are you satisfied with the performance of the Eagles in South Africa 2010?

Well, we are doing our best as a team, we can only get better.

Anything fascinating about this World Cup?

Yes, there are many things that I will remember forever. The fans, the passion and the environment; The atmosphere itself is electrifying and the fact that it is taking place in Africa makes it more pleasing.

Many players, especially goalkeepers, are complaining about the Jabulani ball. How do you see it?

It’s true. It’s a fast ball. But we have no choice than to play it.

Before you joined AS Monaco, big clubs like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Porto and Benfica showed interest in you. Why Monaco?

Well, I’m glad I signed for Monaco as a professional player last year, though I joined them early in 2008. It’s a good start for me and I have started having playing time. That’s more important to me than to join a big club, where the stars wonít allow me to play.

We heard that the agents of some top clubs are chasing you again. Don’t you think it’s an opportunity to move up?

No, I don’t see it that way. My present contract runs till June 2012. There is no need to rush myself.

I have to take things easy. I’m going back to Monaco after the World Cup. A contract is a contract and I’m happy there.

You made your international debut for Nigeria in a friendly against Sudan. Then, former coach, Berti Vogts, dropped you from the 2008 African Cup of Nations squad. How did that feel?

That’s behind me now. Vogts explained why he dropped me. I was not invited to this year’s Cup of Nations in Angola. God knows best and here I am at the World Cup. So, that’s life.

You have played in the three FIFA competitionsñ U-17, U-21 and now this.

That ‘s the will of God. Yes, I won the 2007 U-17 African Youth Tournament and the U-17 World Cup with the Eaglets and also played for the Flying Eagles at the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2009. Iím happy to have done these for Nigeria. Itís a great privilege for me.

Many keep saying it was the goal you scored in a friendly for Nigeria against Columbia that earned you a World Cup place. Do you agree with that?

Maybe. I think the goal was timely and it was a great moment for me.

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