Okocha Defends Lookman After Criticism from Atalanta Coach Gasperini
Nigeria legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has come to the defence of Ademola Lookman following a public dispute with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The row started after Atalanta’s unexpected Champions League exit against Club Brugge, where Gasperini blamed Lookman’s missed penalty for the team’s defeat.
Lookman had scored just 30 seconds into the second half, but his penalty miss later in the game contributed to Atalanta’s 5-2 aggregate loss. Despite Lookman’s overall contribution, Gasperini criticised him publicly, calling him “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen.
Lookman, who had previously scored all four of his penalties for Atalanta, was hurt by the comments, calling them “deeply disrespectful.”
Okocha, a former Nigeria and Bolton Wanderers great, condemned Gasperini’s comments, saying the coach had gone too far. He said, “I think Gasperini overreacted by calling Lookman the worst penalty taker. He seems to have forgotten the incredible contributions Lookman has made to Atalanta. Many top players have missed crucial penalties without facing such harsh criticism. If you take Lookman out of Atalanta, the club could struggle and even risk relegation.”
Okocha’s support was echoed by former Barcelona and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o, who posted a message of encouragement for Lookman. Eto’o wrote on social media, “For us, you are and will always be our champion. Only he who has the courage to shoot can miss.”
Other football figures, including Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero and ex-Nigeria international Duke Udi, also criticised Gasperini’s handling of the situation.
In response, Gasperini tried to ease tensions, saying in a press conference, “My words were not meant to be offensive. Lookman had an extraordinary impact, and I never meant to create division within the squad.” He added that Lookman could still develop as a penalty taker and insisted he had no intention of offending anyone.
Despite the controversy, Gasperini has included Lookman in the squad for Atalanta’s Serie A match against Empoli, as the club aims to focus on a strong finish to the season.
