TheCable

Haruna Garba, a Nigerian footballer, who plies his trade with Debrecen, a Hungarian club side, says it will be a “dream come true” if he’s invited to play for the Super Eagles.

In an interview with TheCable, the Gombe-born striker, who is yet to put on the jersey for Nigeria, opened up on his journey from the nation’s league and why playing football made him grow up faster than expected.

The 26-year-old goal poacher also talked about the comparisons between Europe and Nigeria’s football and admitted being a die-hard fan of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo.

How exactly did the journey to being a top footballer start for you?

The journey started like that of every other. At the outset, I was a kid playing with friends. Then I graduated to playing with amateur clubs in Gombe and then to the pro league side Liverpool FC of Gombe and Yarmalight football academy.

Thereafter, I left for Europe. I then started in Lithuania FK Krouja. From there, I was headed for Malta, and then Dubai. From there I opted for Sweden, then back to Malta. Now, I’m in Debrecen in Hungary.

How did you emerge at the top line of Debrecen to kick-start your career outside the shores of Nigeria?

I think the little success I made in recent years brought me to the limelight. I got goals every season, which is the most important thing as a striker. I had gone for a tournament at the Lagos State University (LASU).

I was organized by the Paddysco company, with almost 700/1000 players thronging the tournament to play. I was the first to be picked. I couldn’t believe it because to me a lot played well and deserved to be chosen.

I was playing for Liverpool FC in Gombe then and I had a good season with them then. I moved to Yarmalight, a better side in the city and my visa was ready when I was there playing for them. It was a nice time with the boys but I had to move for a better future.

Are you open to invitations that might require you to play for the Super Eagles?

My time with the Nigerian league wasn’t easy: the travels to away games, the pitch, the timing sometimes is crazy. We play games at 2 pm and it is usually very sunny.

But it had built me for my career professionally abroad. If I am invited by the Super Eagles, I will say it is a dream come true because it’s every player’s pride and joy to play for their nation.

For someone who played in the NNL, how would you compare Nigeria’s to European football?

European football is way better and more professionally handled than the way it is done in Nigeria.

How lonely were you during your formative years towards climbing the football ladder in Europe?

It’s not easy being alone and far from the family. But, knowing what you want, you have to fight for it. I’m used to being alone a lot. It’s because I went to secondary in the junior section in Jalingo.

I left my parents in Gombe UNIMAID after secondary school. So, I am used to it, sort of. So, I grew up way too fast. As a man, I knew I had to leave my comfort zone and work hard to achieve my dreams.

Why Europe and not NPFL?

Because there is a whole lot to fix in the Nigerian league. And in other to play football at the highest level, it has to be done in Europe.

What’s your opinion on the Nigerian youth who were playing in the NPFL but abandoned it to move abroad?

Don’t leave the Nigerian league to Europe, if you are not sure of a club inviting you. Butt we all know it’s better out here [Europe]. So if it’s on invitation or direct signing, why not?

Watch highlights of some goals scored by Garba below: