Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has received strong backing from the Super Eagles and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following criticism from his club manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, after missing a penalty in Atalanta’s 3-1 UEFA Champions League defeat against Club Brugge on Tuesday night.
Lookman came under heavy fire from Gasperini, who labeled him as the “worst penalty taker” after the Nigerian forward failed to convert from the spot.
The remarks have sparked reactions from the football community, with CAF and the Super Eagles publicly rallying behind the African Player of the Year.
Both CAF and the Nigerian national team took to their respective X accounts to share videos showcasing Lookman’s impressive performances during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he played a crucial role in Nigeria’s journey to the final.
In response to Gasperini’s comments, Lookman released a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, expressing disappointment at being singled out by the Italian manager.
“Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and the incredible fans of Bergamo,” Lookman said.
The Nigerian international also clarified that he did not go against team orders by taking the penalty, revealing that the club’s designated penalty taker had asked him to take it.
“During the match, the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team, I took responsibility in the moment to do so,” he explained.
Lookman, who helped Atalanta secure the Europa League title last May, admitted that he had endured difficult moments at the club but had always prioritized team success over personal concerns.
“In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here—the majority of which I have never spoken about because, in my opinion, the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful,” he added.
READ ALSO: Lookman One of the Worst Penalty Takers, Atalanta’s Coach
The support from CAF and the Super Eagles has been met with applause from fans, who believe Lookman has been unfairly criticized.
Many have called for Gasperini to reconsider his public remarks, emphasizing the forward’s contributions to the club and African football at large.
As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how the relationship between Lookman and Gasperini will evolve, but one thing is certain: the Nigerian forward is not alone in this battle.