Exclusive: Ex-Nigeria Star Slams Atalanta Boss Over Ademola Lookman Criticism, Urges Him to Leave Atalanta

Former Lazio and Nigerian international Ogenyi Onazi has strongly criticised Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini for publicly condemning Ademola Lookman following the club’s disappointing UEFA Champions League exit.

Lookman, who had earlier scored for Atalanta, missed a crucial penalty during their Champions League play-off defeat to Club Brugge on Tuesday night. 

His effort was saved by Simon Mignolet, prompting Gasperini to harshly label him one of the worst penalty takers he had ever seen.

Lookman later responded on social media, calling the remarks “disrespectful.”

Onazi’s Disapproval of Gasperini’s Remarks

Speaking with Sportsboom.com, Onazi expressed his disappointment over Gasperini’s comments, describing them as inappropriate and unfair.

“It is incredibly disappointing to hear such remarks from an experienced coach about one of his best players. Disrespecting a young player who has given so much to the team is unacceptable,” Onazi told SportsBoom.com. 

"This player isn’t just any talent—he’s the current African Player of the Year and consistently gives his all for Atalanta. Despite coming off an injury, he returned and helped put his team back into the game. After all, anyone—even the very best—can miss a penalty."

“Anyone—even the very best—can miss a penalty,” Onazi added.

He further questioned why Gasperini had not made similar criticisms when other Atalanta players missed penalties, arguing that Lookman was unfairly singled out.

“The coach should show respect for his player and acknowledge his contributions. There is no justification for such comments."

Nigerian Players and Controversies in Italian Football

This incident is the second high-profile controversy involving a Nigerian player in Italian football in the past year. 

Previously, Napoli faced backlash for mocking Victor Osimhen on TikTok after he missed a penalty in a league match.

However, Onazi does not believe that Italian clubs generally disrespect Nigerian players.

“I don’t think this is a widespread issue in Italian football. During my years at Lazio, I experienced a level of respect that differs from what has been seen in these cases,” Onazi said.

Onazi Advises Lookman to Leave Atalanta

While some fans hope Lookman and Gasperini can resolve their differences, Onazi believes the player should consider leaving Atalanta this summer.

“Atalanta took a chance on him during a difficult phase in his career, and he has since proven his worth. If he had not performed, they would likely have let him go." 

"He has helped the team achieve significant success—winning the Europa League and securing Champions League football."

“In my opinion, it may be time for him to move on, find a new club, and enjoy his football elsewhere."

Onazi also revealed that he had given similar advice to Victor Osimhen after Napoli’s league triumph. He had encouraged Osimhen to leave while the ovation is louder, but the striker chose to renew his contract instead.

"I offered similar advice to Victor Osimhen after he helped Napoli win the league. I told him that he had accomplished the unthinkable for Napoli and the city, and that he should leave while the ovation was still strong. He chose to renew his contract instead, and when things went south, he reached out—proving that perhaps my advice had been the better option."

Disappointment with Italian Clubs’ Champions League Performance

Onazi also expressed disappointment over the early eliminations of Atalanta, Milan, and Juventus from the UEFA Champions League.

“Atalanta, Milan, and Juventus all being knocked out of the Champions League was unexpected, especially given the quality of their squads compared to the teams that eliminated them."

Atalanta was eliminated by Belgian side Club Brugge, Milan fell to Feyenoord, and Juventus lost to PSV.

“Atalanta, in particular, suffered from individual mistakes. The first leg was evenly matched until a defensive error led to a penalty, allowing Brugge to secure a 2-1 victory. In the second leg, I expected them to respond, but they started slowly and conceded three goals in the first half—far below the standard expected at this level,” Onazi concluded.