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Okocha came to the defence of his compatriot over Gasperini's recent comments
Nigerian football icon Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has criticised Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini for publicly calling out Ademola Lookman after the club’s Champions League exit.
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The fallout has sparked widespread debate, with several football figures rallying behind the Super Eagles star and against the Atalanta boss.
Okocha slams Gasperini’s harsh criticism
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Despite scoring just 35 seconds into the second half, Lookman missed a crucial penalty, and Atalanta crashed out with a 5-2 aggregate defeat.
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Instead of sharing responsibility for the loss, Gasperini branded Lookman “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen—remarks that left the Nigerian winger feeling deeply disrespected.
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Okocha, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest-ever players, was quick to condemn the manager’s reaction, telling Mozzart Sport, “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.”
Football icons show support for Lookman
Okocha is not alone in defending Lookman. Former Barcelona and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o shared a message of encouragement on social media, reminding Lookman that “only he who has the courage to shoot can miss.”
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Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero and ex-Nigeria international Duke Udi also criticised Gasperini’s handling of the situation.
With pressure mounting, Gasperini attempted to clarify his remarks ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A clash with Empoli, insisting his words were not meant to offend.
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Lookman remains in Atalanta’s squad for the upcoming fixture, but the fallout has raised questions over his relationship with the coach and club with both the Nigerian forward and manager Gasperini linked to a summer move away from the club.
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