Champion League
Nigeria Ex-international condemns Gasperini over Lookman’s criticism
By Monsurah Olatunji
Former Nigerian international Duke Udi has strongly condemned Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini for his public criticism of Ademola Lookman after the player’s missed penalty in a crucial UEFA Champions League match.
The former Super Eagles star, who earned five caps for Nigeria, described Gasperini’s remarks as humiliating, and he suggested that Lookman should consider leaving the club in the summer.
The penalty incident occurred during Atalanta’s 3-1 second-leg defeat to Club Brugge, a result which knocked the Italian side out of the competition. Lookman, who had earlier scored in the game, missed a penalty that could have revived his team’s chances of progressing.
In his post-match comments, Gasperini publicly criticized the African Player of the Year, calling him the “worst penalty taker” he had ever seen, and said that Lookman should never have taken the spot-kick in the first place.
Lookman, deeply hurt by the public remarks, expressed his disappointment on social media, explaining that he had always given his best for the team and felt that being singled out was unjust.
Udi shared his disappointment with Gasperini’s handling of the situation and criticized the manager for publicly undermining his player.
“The manager was out of control and out of touch with his comments about Ade (Lookman),” Udi told Africafoot.
“In times of defeat, a team has to stick together, and players and managers must support each other because it is a sport and a collective responsibility.”
He added, “His comments were completely out of line and very humiliating to a player who has done his best over the last few seasons. He has been disrespected in the worst way, and I think he should leave this summer.”
