Sports
Why My Siblings Won’t Play in Nigeria’s League – Ex-Super Eagles Midfielder
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Haruna Lukman, has strongly criticized the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), declaring that he would never encourage his siblings to pursue careers in it.
Speaking on The Abu Azeez Podcast, Lukman described the league as unprofessional, poorly organized, and plagued by corruption.
“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,” he said.
SEE MORE: CHAN 2025: Chelle Unveils Final 23-Man Super Eagles B Squad
The ex-AS Monaco midfielder further alleged that match-fixing is rampant in the NPFL, recalling his experience watching Rivers United take on Ikorodu City at the Onikan Stadium.
“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 added.
Lukman, who represented Nigeria at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, also shed light on the controversies that marred the team’s campaign. He disclosed that the Eagles were far from united during the tournament.
“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,” he revealed.
Nigeria, under coach Lars Lagerbäck, crashed out of the group stage after two defeats and one draw. Lukman maintained that the team’s downfall was due to more than tactics.
“We attacked each other spiritually. It was so bad that you could feel the disconnection on the pitch. That’s why we failed,” he said.
Haruna Lukman’s candid revelations have sparked fresh concerns over the credibility of the NPFL and rekindled discussions about Nigeria’s chaotic 2010 World Cup outing.
Chelsea Football Club have confirmed a major ownership change, with Clearlake Capital set to take full control of the club after agreeing to acquire the ownership interests of Todd Boehly and Mark Walter.
Chelsea announced on Wednesday that affiliates of Clearlake Capital Group will acquire Boehly’s ownership interest, as well as Walter’s stake, giving Clearlake full control of the Premier League club.
“Chelsea Football Club today announced affiliates of Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (‘Clearlake’) will acquire the ownership interest of Todd Boehly.
“Clearlake will also acquire Mark Walter’s ownership interest and therefore acquire full control of the Club,” the club said.
Mark Walter and Todd Boehly have agreed to sell their stakes in Chelsea to Clearlake Capital in a deal that values the club at about £5 billion.
The development marks a significant change to the ownership structure that has been in place since Chelsea’s takeover in 2022.
Chelsea also confirmed that Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss will remain an important partner and stakeholder in the club.
The announcement comes after weeks of reports that Boehly and Walter were considering selling their stakes to Clearlake.
Liverpool will face Chelsea in the standout tie of the EFL Cup fourth round after the draw was conducted on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The draw saw 13 Premier League clubs discover their opponents for the next stage of the competition, with Liverpool handed a home clash against Chelsea.
The fixture will also see Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso return to Anfield to face his former club.
SEE ALSO: 10 Football Stars Who Said Goodbye to International Football (Full List)
Arsenal were drawn away against Fleetwood Town, while Newcastle United will travel to Everton for another all-Premier League encounter.
Other fourth-round fixtures include Sunderland against Brentford, Fulham against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth against Aston Villa.
See complete draw below:
Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal
Manchester City/Norwich City vs Brighton
Everton vs Newcastle United
Sunderland vs Brentford
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Bradford City vs Peterborough
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
The fourth-round ties are scheduled to take place during the week commencing October 26, 2026, between Matchweeks 8 and 9 of the Premier League.
Manchester City will determine the final fourth-round pairing when they host Norwich City in their outstanding third-round fixture on Thursday, September 17.
The third round has already produced several notable results. Liverpool defeated Tottenham 3-1, Arsenal beat Ipswich Town 4-2, while Chelsea recorded a 6-3 victory over Leeds United.
Manchester United were eliminated after losing 3-2 to Brighton, while Newcastle United defeated Millwall 1-0. Everton beat Wolves 1-0, Crystal Palace defeated Middlesbrough 3-0 and Bournemouth thrashed Lincoln City 4-0.
Peterborough progressed after beating Barnsley 7-6 on penalties following a 3-3 draw, while Fleetwood Town defeated Sheffield United 1-0.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has ushered in the end of an era for several established football stars, with a number of prominent players bringing their international careers to a close following the tournament.
The departures include legendary names who have played major roles for their countries over the years, as well as players who captained their national teams and featured at multiple major tournaments.
From Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Neymar to Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Edin Džeko, the list reflects a significant generational change in international football.
ALSO READ: JUST IN: ‘Nothing Left to Give’ — Messi Announces Retirement From Argentina
Here are 10 notable players who have ended or announced the end of their international careers:
Lionel Messi — Argentina
Argentina captain Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after the 2026 World Cup, where his side reached the final.
The 39-year-old remains Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals.
FIFA reported that Messi is expected to make a farewell appearance for Argentina against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6.
Neymar — Brazil
Brazilian superstar Neymar also brought his international career to an end after the 2026 World Cup.
The forward made his Brazil debut in 2010 and represented the country at four World Cups.
Following Brazil’s elimination, Neymar confirmed that his international journey had come to an end.
James Rodríguez — Colombia
Colombia captain James Rodríguez announced his international retirement on September 15, 2026.
The 35-year-old played at three World Cups and leaves the national team as Colombia’s all-time leader in appearances, with 131 caps, and assists, with 43.
Rodríguez is also Colombia’s leading goalscorer at the World Cup, having scored six goals in the competition.
Manuel Neuer — Germany
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer ended his international career after the 2026 World Cup.
The 40-year-old had previously retired from international football after Euro 2024 but returned to the national team for the World Cup.
Neuer’s international career included Germany’s historic 2014 World Cup triumph.
Guillermo Ochoa — Mexico
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa also ended his international career following the tournament.
Ochoa became one of Mexico’s most recognisable footballers during a career that included multiple World Cup appearances.
He made a brief appearance during Mexico’s 2026 campaign before receiving a farewell from teammates and supporters.
Riyad Mahrez — Algeria
Former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez retired from international football after Algeria’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup.
Mahrez made his World Cup debut in 2014 and scored twice at the 2026 tournament before Algeria were eliminated by Switzerland.
He leaves international football having been one of Algeria’s most prominent players of his generation.
Édouard Mendy — Senegal
Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy announced his international retirement in September.
The 34-year-old finished his Senegal career with 59 appearances and was part of the team that won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
His departure adds another experienced figure to the list of African players leaving the international stage.
Iñaki Williams — Ghana
Ghana forward Iñaki Williams announced his international retirement after Ghana’s defeat by Colombia in the Round of 32.
Williams ended his four-year international career with 28 appearances for the Black Stars.
His decision comes as Ghana prepares for a new generation of players to take greater responsibility at international level.
Edin Džeko — Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Džeko announced on September 3, 2026, that he would retire from international football.
The 40-year-old is scheduled to play his final match for Bosnia and Herzegovina against Sweden on October 2 in the UEFA Nations League.
Džeko is the country’s record goalscorer and appearance-maker and has been one of the most influential players in its history.
Seko Fofana — Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire midfielder Seko Fofana announced his retirement from international football on September 14, 2026, at the age of 31.
Fofana made 34 appearances and scored seven goals for the Elephants.
He was also part of the Côte d’Ivoire squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in 2024.
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