Angry Nigerian Fans Slam Atalanta Coach for Criticizing Ademola Lookman After Penalty Miss
Nigerian football fans have expressed their anger on social media after Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini publicly criticized Ademola Lookman for his missed penalty in the team’s 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Lookman, who had been sidelined with injury for a month, made a strong return to action by scoring Atalanta’s only goal of the match early in the second half. However, his penalty miss, saved by Brugge’s goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, contributed to the team’s elimination from the competition with a 5-2 aggregate defeat.
Despite Lookman’s efforts, Gasperini singled him out for criticism in the post-match press conference, calling him “one of the worst penalty takers” he has ever seen. The Italian coach went further to say that Lookman should not have taken the penalty, suggesting that teammates Charles De Ketelaere or Mateo Retegui should have stepped up instead.
Gasperini’s comments have sparked outrage among Nigerian fans, who have taken to social media to defend their countryman. Here are some of the reactions from angry Nigerian supporters:
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Emeka Okafor: “This is beyond disrespectful! Lookman has been one of the best players for Atalanta this season. He came back from injury and scored a goal, yet Gasperini focuses on his penalty miss? Totally unfair!”
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Chioma Nwachukwu: “Lookman gave his all after being out for a month. He scored their only goal in a tough match, and instead of praising him, Gasperini chooses to tear him down? This is why I’ll never watch Atalanta again. They don’t deserve Lookman.”
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Tunde Ajayi: “The coach has no right to publicly criticize Lookman like that. The kid has been excellent for Atalanta, and Gasperini should be grateful for what he’s done for the team. I don’t care about his opinions; Lookman is a star!”
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Amina Bello: “So now we’re blaming Lookman for missing a penalty after scoring a great goal in a Champions League match? Gasperini should be grateful to have such a talented player on his team. This is nonsense!”
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Oluwaseun Akinyemi: “As a Nigerian, I’m so proud of Lookman. He came back from injury and showed real character. Gasperini’s comments are disrespectful and show how little he appreciates Lookman’s hard work and dedication.”
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Kelechi Uzoho: “How can Gasperini say that? Lookman was the only player trying to make something happen for Atalanta. He scored, and they still couldn’t win. Now they blame him for a penalty miss? It’s shameful.”
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Funke Adeyemi: “Lookman deserves better. He has been Atalanta’s shining star, and Gasperini’s public criticism is totally uncalled for. As a Nigerian, I will always support Lookman. He did his best, and that’s what matters.”
These fans believe Gasperini’s words were not only unfair but also damaging to Lookman’s confidence. They have vowed not to support Atalanta if they continue to treat the Nigerian star with such disrespect.
Lookman’s fans have expressed their unwavering support for him, calling him a “true warrior” for his performance and dedication despite the challenging circumstances.
