Ademola Lookman shakes Gian Piero Gasperini after a game
Nigerian football fans have come to the defense of Ademola Lookman after the Atalanta winger faced harsh criticism from his coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, following their 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League playoffs on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
Gasperini’s scathing remarks about Lookman’s penalty miss sparked a fierce backlash from Nigerian supporters, who took to social media to express their displeasure and defend their compatriot.
During his post-match press conference, the Italian coach did not hold back, labeling Lookman as one of the worst penalty takers he has ever seen.
“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen. He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball despite Retegui and De Ketelaere being available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did.”
These comments did not sit well with many football fans, especially Nigerians, who quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to hit back at Gasperini.
They pointed out that Retegui had recently missed a penalty against Arsenal, yet Gasperini had not directed any harsh words at him.
Others also criticized the coach for publicly blasting the player who had helped him win his first-ever trophy, demanding more respect for the reigning African Player of the Year.
Read some of the comments below:
To think Lookman scored a HATRICK in the Europa League final last season to give this clown manager his first and only trophy.
Embarrassing behavior https://t.co/uNmUjH5R2H
— Trey (@UTDTrey) February 19, 2025
This same Ademola Lookman has always stepped up when Atalanta needed points and even saved Gasperini’s job when he was on the brink of being sacked.
— SHAYEE 𒀭 (@tier_first) February 19, 2025
Retegui, the penalty taker also missed against Arsenal without pressure.
Atalanta was losing 3-0 at home to Club Brugge before Lookman came on.
Use!ess team.
pic.twitter.com/4VR863dMtI— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) February 18, 2025
A win in 7 games, struggling without him & he returned from injury, scored a goal after 42 seconds & missed a penalty that has happened to the biggest players in the world.
Look at the nonsense Atalanta coach is saying about Ademola Lookman to the media.
Someone who won him…
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) February 18, 2025
Gasperini Don’t deserve to coach a football club. You were swallowing goals left right and center, Lookman came on and scored a goal and missed a penalty. Of all the useless players you have, you choose to bash your best player 🤡🤡🤡 pic.twitter.com/fAuxxvhXRo
— FCB_Finest (@Fcb_finest) February 19, 2025
*Retegui misses a PK*
Atalanta coach: “I feel sorry for Retegui, given the game he’s had”
*Ademola Lookman misses a PK*
Same coach: “I didn’t like what Ademola Lookman did”
LMAOOOOOOOO just observe
— 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐊 (@TheMahleek) February 19, 2025
Meanwhile watch this explainer on the dismissal of the No. 12 corruption case after Anas refused to testify without mask
FKA/EK