Lookman: Gasperini overreacted, says Okocha

Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has come to the defence of Ademola Lookman following the Nigerian forward’s public fallout with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

The dispute between Lookman and Gasperini erupted after Atalanta’s shock Champions League exit against Club Brugge, with the Italian coach singling out Lookman’s missed penalty as a key reason for their elimination.

Despite Lookman scoring just 30 seconds into the second half, his penalty miss later in the game proved costly, as Atalanta crashed out with a 5-2 aggregate defeat.

However, rather than take collective responsibility for the team’s underperformance, Gasperini publicly criticised Lookman, branding him “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen.

Okocha strongly condemned Gasperini’s approach, insisting the coach had gone too far.

“I think Gasperini overreacted by calling Lookman the worst penalty taker,” Okocha said as per Mozzart Sport.

“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, so why is Lookman’s case being treated differently? In my opinion, if you take Lookman out of Atalanta, the club could struggle and even risk relegation.”

Okocha is not the only high-profile figure to defend Lookman.

Former Barcelona and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o has also shown his support, posting a message of encouragement on social media.

“My younger brother, memory in football lasts 90 minutes—the time of a match and the next.

“For us, you are and will always be our champion. Only he who has the courage to shoot can miss. Thank you for your courage, great champion.”

Eto’o’s message echoed sentiments shared by Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero and ex-Nigeria international Duke Udi, both of whom criticised Gasperini’s handling of the situation.

With the controversy continuing to dominate headlines, Gasperini attempted to clarify his comments in a press conference ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A match against Empoli.

“He had an extraordinary impact and everything that followed… My words were not meant to be offensive,” Gasperini explained.