Nigeria Players Abroad
Jay-Jay Okocha condemns Gasperini for criticizing Lookman
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigerian football legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has strongly condemned Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini for his harsh criticism of Ademola Lookman following a penalty miss in the club’s disappointing Champions League exit.
The fallout between Gasperini and Lookman began after Atalanta’s 5-2 aggregate loss to Club Brugge in the Champions League playoff. The Bergamo side suffered a 3-1 defeat at home after a 2-1 loss in the first leg, with Lookman coming off the bench in the second leg, having missed the first due to injury.
Despite scoring a goal to give Atalanta a glimmer of hope, Lookman’s penalty was saved, extinguishing any chance of a comeback. Gasperini, frustrated by the defeat, controversially branded Lookman “one of the worst penalty takers” for his miss.
However, Okocha believes Gasperini’s comments were an overreaction, arguing that the Atalanta manager had forgotten the many positive contributions Lookman has made to the team, particularly in a season where the Nigerian forward has been pivotal in their attack.
“In my opinion, many top players have missed crucial penalties without facing such harsh criticism, so why is Lookman’s case being treated differently?” Okocha said, as per Mozzart Sport.
“Lookman is a key player for Atalanta, and without him, the club could struggle and even risk relegation.”
Okocha’s comments echo the sentiments of many who believe that the criticism was unwarranted, and that Lookman deserves more support for his efforts on the pitch.
