Nigeria’s Under-20 skipper, Lukman Haruna is under pressure to perform in the French League, as he tries to step into the big shoes left behind at AS Monaco by former African Footballer of the Year, Victor Nosa Ikpeba, who played for the French club.

Ikpeba spent the best part of his career with Monaco after dumping Belgian side, RFC Liege, after the 1989 FIFA Under-17 World Championship.

•Lukman Haruna Photo: Sun News Publishing

More Stories on This Section advertisement

At the age of 20, Ikpeba was bought by Monaco, then coached by Arsene Wenger, where he gradually became a success, albeit with a tough start. He showed outstanding form subsequent to the 1996 Olympics, scoring 13 league goals to help AS Monaco win the league title. His performances earned him the tagged: ‘The Prince of Monaco’ and African Footballer of the Year award in 1997. Two successful seasons followed thereafter.

While at Monaco, Ikpeba nearly signed for Italian club, Reggina. The people of Monaco have yet to forget the remarkable record of the Nigerian striker few years after retiring from active football, and his record has become a big threat to the young Haruna.

However, Haruna remains a player of immense promise and ambition. After signing his first pro contract for Monaco, he promised to do his best to justify the confidence reposed in him by the French club.

"I'm going to do my best to become an icon here," Haruna said. "Nigeria’s Victor Ikpeba wrote his name in the books of Monaco's history, so people expect great things of me.

"Monaco is good; they are well organised. The supporters, coaches and players have all been good to me."

Haruna first attracted the scouts when he led Nigeria to win both Africa and World Under-17 titles in 2007. He had already shone for youth clubs like Moderate Stars Academy and Global Crystal Academy in his homeland.

Despite interest from other clubs, he plumped for Monaco and, after an impressive year in the youth team, he was rewarded with the first professional deal.

He said then: "My primary target is to break into the first team. It won't be easy, but I know I can. I believe this is just a step forward for me, I have shown patience and dedication over the past year."

Haruna has already been called up several times to the Super Eagles and he is determined to leave his mark on the international game.

"I have big dreams. I thank God for giving me these opportunities. I have already won the Under-17 World Cup. I also want to be at the 2010 World Cup with the Super Eagles. And if that happens, then I will become the first Nigerian to have represented the country in World Cups at all levels."

Haruna is a young man in a hurry. The Nigeria Under-20 captain started a Ligue 1 match for the first time in the white-hot atmosphere of Week 27's derby at Onyekachi Apam’s club, Nice last weekend, where they played a barren draw.

Haruna only signed his first professional contract, which ties him to the principality club until June 2012 at the turn of the year.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder was due to spend the rest of the season gaining experience with the reserves, but Monaco’s Coach Ricardo decided to thrust him into the first team fray earlier than anticipated.

Haruna captained the Flying Eagles to third place in the African Youth Championship in late January. He had only managed one reserve team appearance before leaving for that tournament in Rwanda. Nevertheless, the Monaco's Brazilian coach turned to him for Week 26's home game with Saint Etienne.

Asked why Haruna was in the squad, Ricardo was quoted to have said: "You saw as well as I did the training session he's just put in!"

Haruna came on for 17 minutes of the 2–2 draw, winning a starting role the following week. The Nigerian struggled against Nice and was replaced at half time by Alexandre Licata.

His relaxation involves listening to music and watching films.

And he said: "I pray to God and ask him to support me. He responds to my appeals."