Super Eagles star Ogenyi Onazi advises winger Ademola Lookman to leave Italian side Atalanta BC this summer; npflupdates.com reports.
Atalanta BC head coach Gian Gasperini identified Lookman as one of the worst penalty takers he’s even seen. This was after the Nigerian misses from the spot against Club Brugge in a UCL playoff.
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Lookman who started from the bench was instrumental for Atalanta scoring few seconds after introduction. But was unlucky when he was presented with an opportunity from 12-yards.
The Nigerian has since released an emotional statement expressing dissatisfaction over his coach’s comment.
Reacting to the incident, former Lazio player Onazi, advised the Nigerian to leave the outfit in the summer.
What Onazi Said About Lookman And Atalanta
According to the former Trabzonspor man, it’s disappointing for Gasperini to make such a remark about Lookman; who scored a hat-trick last year to help Atalanta win first silverware in over six decades.
“It is incredibly disappointing to hear such remarks from an experienced coach about one of his best players. Disrespecting a young player who has given so much to the team is unacceptable,” the 32-year-old said in quotes revealed by Sports Boom and was quoted by The PUNCH.
Also read: Ademola Lookman Praised For Best Performance Of The Season By Coach Gian Piero
“This player isn’t just any talent—he’s the current African Player of The Year and consistently gives his all for Atalanta. Despite coming off an injury, he returned and helped put his team back into the game. After all, anyone—even the very best—can miss a penalty.”
The Avezzano player drew parallels between Lookman’s situation and what Osimhen experienced at Napoli in two years ago when the club posted a bizarre video to TikTok seemingly mocking the player after he missed a penalty.
“I told him that he (Osimhen) had accomplished the unthinkable for Napoli and the city and that he should leave while the ovation was still strong. He chose to renew his contract instead, and when things went south, he reached out—proving that perhaps my advice had been the better option,” Onazi revealed.
“Atalanta took a chance on him (Lookman) during a difficult phase in his career, and he has since proven his worth. If he had not performed, they would likely have let him go. In my opinion, it may be time for him to move on, find a new club, and enjoy his football elsewhere,” Onazi concluded.
In another statement earlier this weekend, Gian Gasperini, reveal he didn’t intend to offend Lookman.
He urged the Nigerian to improve his penalty skills; and just maybe he can become the club’s first choice taker.
“Lookman felt offended, but I didn’t want to anyone. He entered with fantastic approach against Club Brugge.
“If he starts training to improve on penalties; with his exceptional skills Ademola can become our first penalty taker.”
Why Amokachi Left Lobi Stars As Technical Director
In another story, former Super Eagles coach Daniel Amokachi reveals why he quit his role at Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL, side Lobi Stars.
In a statement published by SCORENigeria, the former Everton FC striker, reveal his family approved his resignation.
“After a meeting with my mother & family, I regret to announce my resignation from the position of Technical Adviser of the team,” the former Super Eagles star announced.
Also read: Lookman : It Feels Deeply Disrespectful To Be Singled Out For Criticism Despite Our Efforts
“I have given my all, but things are not going the way they are supposed to.”
He was in charge of the Makurdi club for 137 days during which he won three games, drew seven and lost nine.
