Sky Sports faces backlash over Ademola Lookman’s snub amid Europa heriocs

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigerians have expressed anger and disappointment as Ademola Lookman, the hero of Atalanta’s historic Europa League win, was not recognized by Sky Sports in their congratulatory graphic.

Lookman made history on Wednesday night by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen and ending their unbeaten run. This was also Atalanta’s first-ever UEFA Europa League title and their first major title win since 1963.

However, British media outlet Sky Sports is facing fierce criticism and accusations of racism after allegedly failing to include the man of the night in their graphic.

Sky Sports posted an image on its X handle which only included Gianluca Scamacca and Teun Koopmeiners with a congratulatory caption: “BREAKING: Atalanta have WON the Europa League after beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final in Dublin.”

Outraged Nigerian fans took to social media to voice their frustration, condemning the apparent snub as a blatant act of racism.

Nollywood actress Nse Ikpe-Etim commented under the post to express her displeasure at the omission of her compatriot, saying, “This is shocking. Ademola Lookman scores a beautiful hat-trick and you couldn’t bring yourself to use an image of his. Sure you can do better.”

Another user wrote, “You guys don’t even hide it anymore. Racism without any shame!” while another asked, “Where is Lookman in this picture?”

International award-winning investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo added, “Nigerian footballer Ademola Lookman, who scored all three goals that fetched Atalanta the trophy, did not make it to your cover photo? All of you @SkyFootball are collectively an unbelievable joke!”

“Why on earth would you not include the man that scored a hat-trick in the final to win Atalanta their first major trophy in 60 years???” one user asked.

Nigerian photojournalist @PoojaMedia said, “You are reporting the final without the history maker. Reason we’ve to hype our own to heavens but de@d heads will be dragging us. Una see now?”

“His name is ADEMOLA LOOKMAN. He is from Nigeria. He plays for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. He scored all three goals. You should know better and do better,” another user demanded.

One user, @Afc_Saks, created a new graphic image that included Lookman with the caption “Fixed it!”

Another X user, @Xandyy_Jay, said, “The whole world condemns this act. You can do better. Ademola Lookman should be the first person here. Why are you so biased?”

The outcry has placed Sky Sports under intense scrutiny, with many calling for the broadcaster to address the issue and provide a satisfactory explanation for the apparent snub of the Nigerian sensation.