EXCLUSIVE: Sunday Oliseh told me I have to be the sacrificial lamb – Nasarawa midfielder Lordson Ichull

Former Warri Wolves midfielder who now plays for Nasarawa United FC Lordson Ichull has told sportsration exclusively the reason he left Warri Wolves and why he it took him time to feature for his new club.

The box to box midfielder who wants to be the Nigerian Michael Essien said he left Warri Wolves because of their failure to honour his contractual agreements with them, contrary to the widespread rumours he dumped Warri Wolves for money.

“Warri Wolves owed me salaries and match bonuses, they wanted me to sign new contract when they didn’t pay me the huge sum they owed me.

“It wouldn’t be a wise decision for me to sign new contract when I was being owed, that was why I left,” he said.

When asked if the huge debt has been paid, he said no but he is hopeful.

“All the players that left Warri Wolves for other clubs are yet to be paid, but the LMC chairman Shehu Dikko told us the matter has been tabled and very soon we’ll receive our money.”

When asked why he hasn’t been featuring regularly for Nasarawa since he joined them he cited injury and contractual issues as the reasons for his limited game time.

“I picked up an injury during the Super 4 so I was out for a while.

“When I came back from my injury, I wanted Nasarawa management to be clear about my deal with them so I don’t suffer what I suffered at Warri Wolves.

“We are now on the same page and I am now back on the pitch playing,” he said.

The versatile Bukola Babes FC academy product also talked about other footballing matters including how LMC can further make the Nigeria Professional Football League one of the best in the World and his experiences with Sunday Oliseh and Clemens Westerhof.

“I started my footballing career at Bukola Babes and Clemens Westerhof was the chief administrator at the Football School of Excellence.

“He and other instructors at the school started the foundation on which other managers I have worked with built on,” he said.

The midfielder was full of praise for Sunday Oliseh with whom he had an encounter with at the Super Eagles camp.

“I was one of the first players Sunday Oliseh invited to the Super Eagles team when he was in charge and I can only say positive things about him.

“He is somebody I look up to while growing up and to play under him was a rare privilege, he taught me one important lesson that is still part of me.

“He told me the role I play is very important to the shape of any team and I have to be the sacrificial lamb if I must succeed in my role.”

He also said positive things about the Shehu Dikko led administration while making suggestions on how the NPFL can continue to grow.

“The Shehu Diko led administration is doing a great job, this is about the best we’ve seen of the League in a long while.

“If the club owners and administrators can work with LMC by making sure salaries and match bonuses are paid when due, then our League can be one of the best in the world,” he said.

Lordson Ichull who is a Chelsea fan said he would like to play for Dortmund in future because of their style of play and also talked about Nasarawa United FC chances of winning a title this season.

“If I have to join an European club it has to be Dortmund.

“I like the way they play, its a style of football that suits how I play and if they come calling I’ll join them.

“Right now I am happy at Nasarawa and I believe we can challenge for titles this season, there are still lots of games to be played and nothing has been decided yet.”