Nigeria Players Abroad
Lookman sparks rift rumours after unfollowing Atalanta amid touchline clash with Juric
By Dayo Awoniyi
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has fuelled speculation of a rift with Atalanta manager Ivan Juric after unfollowing the club on all social media platforms and deleting posts related to the Italian side.
The move comes just days after a heated touchline exchange between Lookman and Juric during Atalanta’s Champions League win over Olympique Marseille.
Tensions flared when Lookman, visibly frustrated at being substituted in the second half, appeared to exchange words with Juric, who grabbed the Nigerian by the arm as emotions ran high. Coaching staff were forced to step in to prevent the situation from escalating.
Juric, however, sought to play down the incident in his post-match comments.
“These things happen,” the Croatian tactician said. “You talk and exchange views, and the rapport becomes better than before. Ademola is a particular kind of guy. It’s all sorted — we just move on.”
Despite Juric’s attempt to defuse the situation publicly, Lookman’s decision to sever digital ties with the club suggests lingering tension behind the scenes.
The 26-year-old winger, one of Atalanta’s standout performers this season, has been instrumental in the club’s strong domestic and European campaigns.
His recent social media actions, however, have left fans questioning whether his relationship with Juric — and his future in Bergamo — may now be strained.
As speculation mounts, neither Lookman nor Atalanta have issued an official statement addressing the situation.
