Former Lazio midfielder Onazi advises Lookman and Osimhen to leave Serie A

By Wale Mustapha

Former Nigeria and Lazio midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, has urged Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen to consider leaving their Serie A clubs next summer, following a series of controversies that have demonstrated a lack of respect for the players.

Onazi’s comments came in the wake of Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s public criticism of Lookman after he missed a crucial penalty during a UEFA Champions League playoff against Club Brugge.

Gasperini labeled Lookman as one of the worst penalty takers he had ever seen, a statement that led to significant backlash from both fans and pundits.

“I was deeply disappointed to hear such comments from an experienced coach about one of his best players,” Onazi said in an interview with Sportsboom.

“Disrespecting a young player who has consistently given his all for the team is simply unacceptable.”

Onazi further emphasized Lookman’s contributions to Atalanta, especially after overcoming an injury to help bring his team back into the game.

“This player is not just any talent—he’s the current African Player of the Year. Anyone, even the very best, can miss a penalty.”

In addition to his comments about Lookman, Onazi also reflected on his previous advice to Osimhen, who recently renewed his contract with Napoli.

Despite Onazi’s recommendation that Osimhen should leave while his stock was high, the striker chose to stay, which, in hindsight, Onazi believes may have been a missed opportunity.

“I told him he had accomplished the unthinkable for Napoli and the city, and that he should leave while the applause was still strong,” Onazi explained.

“He chose to renew his contract instead, and when things went south, he reached out—showing that perhaps my advice was the better option.”

Onazi’s comments have reignited discussions about the treatment of players in high-pressure leagues like Serie A, where criticism and controversy can often overshadow individual performances.

With both Lookman and Osimhen at crucial points in their careers, Onazi’s words could have significant implications for their futures in Italian football.