UCL: Nigerian rapper Vector slams Gasperini’s criticism of Lookman

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian rapper Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, better known as Vector Tha Viper, has hit out at Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini following his harsh criticism of Ademola Lookman after the Super Eagles winger missed a crucial penalty in their UEFA Champions League defeat to Club Brugge on Tuesday night.

Atalanta suffered a 3-1 loss at home to the Belgian side, with Lookman scoring the only goal for the hosts. The Nigerian striker had the chance to score another but saw his penalty attempt saved by Brugge’s goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet.

Gasperini was quick to blast Lookman, calling him “the worst penalty taker I’ve ever seen” and claiming the player insisted on taking the spot-kick despite not being the designated penalty taker.

Vector, reacting to Gasperini’s comments, implied that the manager’s criticism had racial undertones, referencing similar treatment of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen at Napoli.

On his X handle (formerly Twitter), Vector posted: “I thought I was a victor till Napoli started laughing. Make Lookman look well… This skin issue sha.”

In a counter-response to Gasperini’s allegations, Lookman clarified that he did not insist on taking the penalty, but rather that the team’s designated penalty taker asked him to step up for the spot-kick.

Despite the controversy, the incident has sparked a wider conversation about race and fairness in football, particularly concerning the treatment of African players in European leagues.