2010 World Cup: Lukman Haruna Reveals Super Eagles Fought Physically and Spiritually

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Lukman Haruna, has lifted the lid on Nigeria’s turbulent 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa, claiming the players were divided and even attacked each other both “physically and spiritually.”

Haruna, who was then on the books of AS Monaco and part of Lars Lagerbäck’s squad, said the atmosphere within the camp was so toxic that success was practically impossible.

Nigeria crashed out of the group stage with just one point from three matches, failing to secure a single victory.

Speaking on The Abu Azeez Podcast, Haruna revealed:

“A lot happened — the team was not in good spirits. At that time, we actually fought each other. Spiritually, we were attacking one another, and physically, we were fighting.”

He also recalled that even before the squad departed their London camp for South Africa, fights broke out between unnamed players.

On the team’s poor performances, Haruna suggested selfishness was a major factor:

“Some players were selfish; they didn’t want to pass the ball. They just wanted to take the glory alone.”

Opinion: Lessons From a Broken 2010 Squad

Haruna’s revelations may not shock many fans who painfully watched the Super Eagles stumble through that World Cup, but they do underline a bigger problem: when unity is absent, talent alone cannot win tournaments.

Nigeria has never lacked stars—then or now—but football is a team sport that thrives on trust, cohesion, and shared vision. The idea that players were fighting physically and spiritually is not just dramatic, it is tragic. It paints a picture of a squad where egos overshadowed patriotism, and selfish ambition replaced teamwork.

For a country as passionate about football as Nigeria, it’s a reminder that discipline, harmony, and leadership are as important as dribbling skills and goals. Morocco’s success at the 2022 World Cup proves that unity and a collective spirit can push an African team to history-making levels.

Perhaps the real lesson from 2010 is this: if the Super Eagles want to achieve greatness again, they must first conquer the battles within themselves before taking on the world.